Nitrogen and hydrogen were mixed in a 1:3 mole ratio and left to reach equilibrium in a flask at a temperature of 550 K - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Nitrogen and hydrogen were mixed in a 1:3 mole ratio and left to reach equilibrium in a flask at a temperature of 550 K. The equation for the reaction between nitrog... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Nitrogen and hydrogen were mixed in a 1:3 mole ratio and left to reach equilibrium in a flask at a temperature of 550 K - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
1.1 Calculate the partial pressure of each gas in this equilibrium mixture.
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Answer
To find the partial pressures, we start with the total pressure (150 kPa) and the mole fraction of NH3.
Mole fraction of NH3, extXNH3=0.80, thus:
Total moles = 1 (as a representative sample)
Moles of NH3 = 0.80×1=0.80 moles.
Using the remaining moles:
Moles of N2 = 0.20 moles (1 - 0.80 = 0.20)
Moles of H2 = 23moles of N2=3×0.20=0.60moles.
The mole fraction of nitrogen (XN2) and hydrogen (XH2) can be calculated:
XN2=0.20+0.60+0.800.20=0.20/1.60=0.125
XH2=1.600.60=0.375
Now, use the mole fractions to find the partial pressures:
ppN2=XN2×Ptotal=0.125×150=18.75 kPa
ppH2=XH2×Ptotal=0.375×150=56.25 kPa
ppNH3=XNH3×Ptotal=0.80×150=120 kPa.
Step 2
1.2 Give an expression for the equilibrium constant (Kc) for this reaction.
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Answer
The expression for the equilibrium constant (Kc) can be derived from the balanced reaction:
Kc=[N2][H2]3[NH3]2
where [NH3], [N2], and [H2] are the molar concentrations of ammonia, nitrogen, and hydrogen respectively.
Step 3
1.3 Calculate the value of the equilibrium constant (Kc) for this reaction and give its units.
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Answer
Given the partial pressures:
ppN2=1.20×102 kPa
ppH2=1.50×102 kPa
ppNH3=1.10×102 kPa
Using these values, we can substitute them into the equilibrium constant expression:
Kc=(1.20×102)×(1.50×102)3(1.10×102)2
Calculating this gives:
Kc=(1.20×102)×(3.375×106)(1.21×104)=4.05×1081.21×104=2.99×10−5
The units for the equilibrium constant (assuming pressures in kPa) are:
Kc:kPa−1
Step 4
1.4 State the effect, if any, of an increase in temperature on the value of Kc for this reaction. Justify your answer.
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Answer
Effect on Kc: Decrease / Smaller.
Justification: The given reaction is exothermic (negative enthalpy change). According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing the temperature of an exothermic reaction shifts the equilibrium position to the left, favoring the reactants and decreasing the concentration of products. Thus, the value of Kc will decrease.