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Refer to the figures above - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 13 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 13
Refer to the figures above. (A) Based on the graphs, describe how pressure affects the yield of the reaction at different temperatures. (B) Explain the significa... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Refer to the figures above - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 13 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
(A) Based on the graphs, describe how pressure affects the yield of the reaction at different temperatures.
Answer
The graphs indicate that as pressure increases, the yield of the reaction also increases for both temperatures shown (500°C and 550°C). However, the increase in yield is more pronounced at higher temperatures, suggesting that the reaction is more sensitive to pressure changes at elevated temperatures. At lower pressures, the yield is relatively low, but as we move toward higher pressures (up to 400 atm), there is a notable rise in yield, particularly at 550°C.
Step 2
(B) Explain the significance of the ammonia yield observed at 500°C and 550°C.
Answer
The ammonia yield at 550°C is considerably higher than at 500°C, indicating that higher temperatures favor the formation of ammonia. This can be explained by Le Chatelier's principle, which states that increasing temperature in an exothermic reaction shifts the equilibrium position to favor the reactants. Therefore, while lower temperatures provide a more favorable equilibrium for the formation of ammonia, the actual reaction kinetics at higher temperatures likely promote faster yields. The operational conditions for industrial processes must balance these factors to optimize the efficiency of ammonia production.