Question

discuss the applications of le chateliers principle of the industrial synthesis of ammonia and sulphur trioxidee

Answer 1

Application of Le Chateliers principle in synthesis of ammonia and sulphur dioxide are :

1. In synthesis of ammonia the equation is represented as:

N2 + 3 H2 ----> 2NH3 (Haber's Process)

a) Here if we increase the pressure the reaction will shift to the side with fewer moles i.e. in this case this will lead to formation of NH3.

b) Now this reaction is exothermic. Therefore, reaction shift towards products on decreasing temperature.

c) Both this process shift the equilibrium of the reaction towards right and hence Le Chateliers principle is justified

2. In synthesis of sulphur dioxide equation is:

SO2 + 2 O2 ----> 2 SO3 ( Contact Process)

a) Again on increasing pressure the reaction mixture shifts to the right as it has fewer moles compared to left hand side thus producing SO3.

b) Since this is also exothermic reaction, decreasing temperature shifts reaction to the product side.

Hence, this proves the application of Le Chateliers principle in formation of NH3 and SO3.