Skip to main content
Ch.16 - Chemical Equilibrium
Chapter 16, Problem 88

Is the question formulated correctly regarding the extraction of hydrogen from natural gas as per the given reaction CH4(g) + CO2(g) ⇌ 2 CO(g) + 2 H2(g) with Kp = 4.5 * 10^2 at 825K?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the chemical reaction given: \( \text{CH}_4(g) + \text{CO}_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2 \text{CO}(g) + 2 \text{H}_2(g) \).
Understand that \( K_p \) is the equilibrium constant for the reaction in terms of partial pressures, given as \( 4.5 \times 10^2 \) at 825 K.
Check if the question is asking about the feasibility of extracting hydrogen from natural gas using this reaction, which involves understanding the equilibrium position.
Consider the reaction conditions (temperature, pressure) and how they might affect the equilibrium position and the yield of \( \text{H}_2 \).
Ensure that the question is clear about what aspect of the extraction process is being evaluated, such as the efficiency, yield, or conditions required for optimal hydrogen production.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium occurs when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products. In the context of the given reaction, understanding how changes in conditions (like temperature and pressure) affect the equilibrium position is crucial for analyzing the extraction of hydrogen.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:21
Chemical Equilibrium Concepts

Equilibrium Constant (Kp)

The equilibrium constant (Kp) quantifies the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction at a specific temperature. For the reaction provided, Kp = 4.5 * 10^2 indicates that at 825K, the formation of products (CO and H2) is favored over the reactants (CH4 and CO2), which is essential for evaluating the efficiency of hydrogen extraction.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:20
Equilibrium Constant Expressions

Le Chatelier's Principle

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium. This principle is vital for predicting how the reaction will respond to alterations in conditions, such as increasing reactant concentrations or changing temperature, impacting hydrogen production.
Recommended video:
Guided course
07:32
Le Chatelier's Principle