V₂O₅ can be used as a catalyst in the Contact Process - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 17 - 2017 - Paper 3
Question 17
V₂O₅ can be used as a catalyst in the Contact Process.
Which is a step in the Contact Process in which the vanadium is oxidised?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:V₂O₅ can be used as a catalyst in the Contact Process - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 17 - 2017 - Paper 3
Step 1
A. SO₂ + V₂O₅ → SO₃ + 2V₂O₄
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Answer
In this reaction, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is converted to sulfur trioxide (SO₃) while vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) is reduced to vanadium tetraoxide (V₂O₄). Therefore, this does not represent oxidation of vanadium.
Step 2
B. SO₃ + 2V₂O₅ → SO₂ + V₂O₅
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This reaction shows the conversion of sulfur trioxide back to sulfur dioxide, with vanadium pentoxide unchanged, indicating no oxidation of vanadium.
Step 3
C. 2V₂O₄ + 1O₂ → 2V₂O₅
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In this reaction, vanadium tetraoxide (V₂O₄) is oxidised by oxygen (O₂) to form vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅). Thus, this step indicates that vanadium is indeed oxidised.
Step 4
D. V₂O₅ → 2V₂O₂ + 1O₂
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Here, vanadium pentoxide is undergoing a reduction, resulting in vanadium dioxide, which signifies the opposite of oxidation.
