Arrhenius vs. Le Chatelier battle

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In summary, the conversation is about the design of an ammonia reactor and the battle between Arrhenius and Le Chatelier for achieving the highest conversion of ammonia. The two theories have conflicting methods for increasing the product, causing confusion on how to fully utilize both for optimal conversion. Ultimately, finding an optimum temperature is necessary to produce the most final product in a given time. This is a common issue in chemistry.
  • #1
member 392791
Hello,

In my class we were talking about the design of an ammonia reactor, and there is a battle between arrhenius and le chatelier for getting the highest conversions. Apparently the two are at odds with each other as far as getting the highest conversion of ammonia.

I am confused how the two, that separately both can be used to increase the products, have incompatibilities to fully utilize both of them to get the best conversion possible.

Sorry if this sounds vague, but I figured the thought of a fight between Le chatelier and arrhenius would spark interest
 
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  • #2
Nothing new. You want a high temperature fro the reaction to be fast, you want low temperature for the equilibrium to lie on the right, so you need to find some kind of optimum to be able to produce as much as possible of the final product in the time unit.

Please disperse, there is nothing to see. Same old thing, repeated in all chemistry all around.
 

1. What is the Arrhenius theory?

The Arrhenius theory, proposed by Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius in 1884, explains the behavior of acids and bases in aqueous solutions. According to this theory, acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in aqueous solutions, while bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solutions.

2. What is the Le Chatelier's principle?

The Le Chatelier's principle, proposed by French chemist Henry Louis Le Chatelier in 1884, states that when a system at equilibrium is subjected to a stress, the system will shift its equilibrium position in a way that minimizes the effect of that stress.

3. How does the Arrhenius theory differ from the Le Chatelier's principle?

The Arrhenius theory explains the behavior of acids and bases in aqueous solutions, while the Le Chatelier's principle explains the behavior of chemical reactions at equilibrium. The Arrhenius theory focuses on the dissociation of acids and bases, while the Le Chatelier's principle focuses on the overall equilibrium of a chemical reaction.

4. Which theory is more widely accepted in the scientific community?

The Arrhenius theory is more widely accepted in the scientific community, as it provides a simple and practical explanation for the behavior of acids and bases in aqueous solutions. However, the Le Chatelier's principle is also widely used in chemistry to predict the effects of changing conditions on a chemical reaction at equilibrium.

5. Can the Arrhenius theory and the Le Chatelier's principle be used together?

Yes, the Arrhenius theory and the Le Chatelier's principle can be used together to explain and predict the behavior of chemical reactions involving acids and bases. The Arrhenius theory provides a foundation for understanding the dissociation of acids and bases, while the Le Chatelier's principle can be used to predict the effects of changing conditions on the equilibrium of a chemical reaction involving acids and bases.

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