Question

You would like to set up a business to reduce atmospheric SO2(g) using the reaction: 8 SO2 (g) + heat <--> S8 (g) + 8O2 (g) 1. State three (3) different ways you could make this reaction more effective. (3) 2. Explain why one of the ways you gave above might not be cost effective. (2) 3. give one MAJOR environmental reason to reduce atmospheric SO2 levels. (think about what SO2 does in the atmosphere...) (1)

Answer 1

According to Lechatlier's principle for an endothermic reaction (heat absorbing reaction)

1.

(a) Increasing temperature could make this reaction more effective.

(b) Introducing a catlayst oxygen-deficient ferrite (Fe₃O_4-¿) or Pt/CeO₂ could make this reaction more effective.

(c) As product moles (1 + 8 = 9) are higher than reactant moles (8) hence reducing pressure could make this reaction more effective.

2. Using a catalyst (regenerative chemical is called as catalyst after completion of reaction) decreases the activation energy so that the reaction can be in progress under low temperatures also, this will reduce cost for production of thermal energy and also reaction will go faster (less time required compare to without catalyst), saves time and money.