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Methanol is a very useful fuel - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
Methanol is a very useful fuel. It can be manufactured from biogas. The main reaction in methanol production from biogas is represented by the following equation. $... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Methanol is a very useful fuel - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
On the energy profile diagram above, sketch how the catalyst would alter the reaction pathway.
Answer
To illustrate the effect of a catalyst on the energy profile of the reaction, you need to draw a new pathway on the provided energy diagram.
Diagram Sketch
- Start by preserving the same initial and final energy levels for the reactants (CO and H2) and products (CH3OH).
- The reaction needs to show a lowered activation energy barrier due to the presence of the catalyst.
- Draw a new curve or pathway that indicates this reduced activation energy.
- Label the original activation energy of the uncatalyzed reaction and the new, lowered activation energy for the catalyzed reaction.
Explanation
- Initial Reactants: The energy level of CO and H2 does not change, remaining at the same starting point.
- Activation Energy: Highlight that the distance between the initial state and the peak of the new pathway is less than the distance to the peak of the original pathway, indicating reduced activation energy.
- Final Products: The energy level of CH3OH remains the same, indicating that the enthalpy change (ΔH) of the reaction does not alter, only the pathway taken is different.