Equilibrium Constant Calculation for N2 + 2O <--> 2NO2 at Given Concentrations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the equilibrium constant for the reaction N2 + 2O <--> 2NO2, as well as the application of Le Chatelier's Principle to the Claus Process involving H2S and SO2. Participants explore the implications of temperature changes and product removal on equilibrium states.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the equilibrium constant for the reaction N2 + 2O <--> 2NO2 and arrives at a value of 0.5, questioning its correctness.
  • Another participant agrees with the calculation but suggests using LaTeX for clarity.
  • Multiple participants pose questions regarding the Claus Process, specifically how changes in conditions affect the removal of H2S, referencing Le Chatelier's Principle.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the implications of removing sulfur and cooling the reaction chamber, indicating a need for clarification on the reaction's exothermic or endothermic nature.
  • Another participant suggests thinking of temperature as a "molecular species" to understand the shifts in equilibrium.
  • There is a correction regarding the chemical equation for the Claus Process, with a participant acknowledging a mistake in the initial equation.
  • One participant critiques the approach of treating heat as a reactant/product, advocating for a focus on relative rate constants instead for a deeper understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the best approach to understanding Le Chatelier's Principle and the implications of temperature changes on equilibrium. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the Claus Process or the correctness of the equilibrium constant calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions regarding the nature of the reactions and the role of temperature, but these assumptions remain unresolved within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying chemical equilibrium, particularly in the context of industrial processes and the application of Le Chatelier's Principle.

97lmn
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N2(g) + 2O(g) <--> 2NO2(g)

At a certain temperature, the follwoing are the equilibrium concentrations for the above reaction:

[N2] = 8.0 mol/L
[O2] = 2.0 mol/L
[NO2] = 4.0 mol/L

Determine the equilibrium constant.

My answer..

Ke = [NO2]^2 / [N2][O2]^2

Ke = [4.0]^2 / [8.0][2.0]^2

Ke = 0.5

Correct?
 
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I believe your calculations are correct. Latex is friendly though =)
 
Another question having to due with equilibrium...

The Claus Process is an industrial process used to remove toxic hydrogen sulfide gas during the processing of crude oil. The chemicle equation for this process is:

2 H2S(g) + SO2(g) <--> 3 H2O(g) + Heat

Use Le Chatliers Principle to describe why the following changes favour the removal of H2S.

a) Removing sulfur as soon as it forms
b) Cooling the reaction chamber

I think it has something to due with the temperature..and either the products or reactants being favored...not sure tho.
 
97lmn said:
Another question having to due with equilibrium...

The Claus Process is an industrial process used to remove toxic hydrogen sulfide gas during the processing of crude oil. The chemicle equation for this process is:

2 H2S(g) + SO2(g) <--> 3 H2O(g) + Heat

Use Le Chatliers Principle to describe why the following changes favour the removal of H2S.

a) Removing sulfur as soon as it forms
b) Cooling the reaction chamber

I think it has something to due with the temperature..and either the products or reactants being favored...not sure tho.

I'm not sure what you mean by a); since there is no sulfur on the right side of the equation.

I don't want to give you the answer, but for b), look at the equation. Is it exothermic or endothermic? What would it mean? Try to think of temperature as an actual "molecular species", or in this case, a product. Try to apply your knowledge dealing with the removal or addition of a product in this case to predict which way the system would shift. I hope that leads you to the right answer.
 
oh sorry got the equation wrong.

2 H2S(g) + SO2(g) <--> 3 S(s) + 2 H2O(g) + Heat
 
97lmn said:
oh sorry got the equation wrong.

2 H2S(g) + SO2(g) <--> 3 S(s) + 2 H2O(g) + Heat
yes well, I was too lazy to actually fix your equation haha :P
do you understand or do you have further questions?
 
Use Le Chatliers Principle to describe why the following changes favour the removal of H2S.

a) Removing sulfur as soon as it forms
b) Cooling the reaction chamber

The best way to explain these changes is to offer an explanation in relevance to relative rate constants.
 
97lmn said:
Another question having to due with equilibrium...

The Claus Process is an industrial process used to remove toxic hydrogen sulfide gas during the processing of crude oil. The chemicle equation for this process is:

2 H2S(g) + SO2(g) <--> 3 H2O(g) + Heat

Use Le Chatliers Principle to describe why the following changes favour the removal of H2S.

a) Removing sulfur as soon as it forms
b) Cooling the reaction chamber

I think it has something to due with the temperature..and either the products or reactants being favored...not sure tho.


remember that heat can be considered as one of the products in this reaction. so cooling the reaction chamber means that you are absorbing heat from the right side of the reaction, and so the reaction will shift to the right by L'Chatlier's principle in order to restore the heat in equilibrium.
 
I don't particularly favor quetzal's and atremis' approach of "treating heat as a reactant/product" as a means of first understanding Le Chatelier - this approach provides no physical insight. And I strongly recommend GCT's approach of deriving the effects on the forward and reverse reaction rates. Once you have completely understood the reasons though, you may use the first method, as a quick 'n' easy tool.
 

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