Chemistry equilibrium - Remove H2

In summary, the conversation discusses the choice between introducing either Cl2 or Br2 to remove molecular hydrogen from a flask. It is determined that based on the values of Kc, Cl2 would be the better option due to its ability to react with H2 at STP and initiate a chain reaction. The high bond energy of H2 also makes it difficult to start a reaction, further supporting the choice of Cl2.
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Homework Statement
It is desired to remove the molecular hydrogen present in a flask. What will be better to introduce? Cl2 or Br2?
Relevant Equations
kc
It is desired to remove the molecular hydrogen present in a flask. What will be better to introduce, ##Cl_2## or ##Br_2##? Why?

##2 HCl <-> H_2 + Cl_2## (1)
##k = 3,2.10^{-14}##

##H_2 + Br_2 <->2 HBr## (2)
##k = 2.10^9##

I thought about turning equation (1) to make the comparison better:

##H_2 + Cl_2 <-> 2 HCl ## (1)
##k = 1/3,2.10^{-14} = 3,1.10^{13}##

##H_2 + Br_2 <->2 HBr## (2)
##k = 2.10^9##

Then I reasoned the following:
If equation 1 has a higher value of Kc, then it will be the most favorable, therefore it is better to enter ##Cl_2##

Is the reasoning correct?
What do you think?
Thank you!
 
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  • #2
Sounds OK to me.
 
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  • #3
Cl2. Because Cl2 will react with H2 at STP and Bromine will not. Light induces Cl2 to become Cl free radicals which initiates chain reaction. Boom. Hydrogen molecules have 104 kcal/mole bond energy which is pretty high activation energy to start reaction.
 
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1. What is chemical equilibrium?

Chemical equilibrium is a state in a chemical reaction where the forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products.

2. How is equilibrium affected by removing H2?

Removing H2 from a reaction shifts the equilibrium towards the products side, in accordance with Le Chatelier's principle. This is because the removal of H2 decreases the concentration of a reactant, causing the reaction to shift in the direction that produces more H2 to reach equilibrium.

3. Can the removal of H2 change the equilibrium constant (K)?

Yes, the equilibrium constant is affected by changes in concentration, temperature, and pressure. Removing H2 changes the concentration of reactants and products, which can result in a change in the equilibrium constant.

4. How does the temperature affect equilibrium when removing H2?

The effect of removing H2 on equilibrium depends on the direction of the reaction and the temperature. In an exothermic reaction (where heat is released), removing H2 will shift the equilibrium towards the products side at lower temperatures. In an endothermic reaction (where heat is absorbed), removing H2 will shift the equilibrium towards the reactants side at lower temperatures.

5. Is it possible to completely remove H2 from a chemical reaction at equilibrium?

No, it is not possible to completely remove H2 from a reaction at equilibrium. This is because there will always be some H2 present in the system due to the equilibrium constant being greater than zero. However, the concentration of H2 can be significantly decreased by shifting the equilibrium towards the products side.

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