Question

Sulfur dioxide and oxygen gas react to produce sulfur trioxide in an exothermic reaction 2SO2 + O2 → 2SO3 At the same time, the endothermic reverse reaction occurs, breaking the sulfur trioxide apart 2SO3 → 2SO2 + O2 Therefore, a chemical equilibrium is reached between the three gases: 2SO2 + O2 ⇌ 2SO3 This reaction is allowed to take place within a sealed container. If we want to produce more sulfur trioxide, we could -

the temperature in the container -

the pressure in the container -

the concentration of oxygen gas in the container -

remove from the container

Answer 1

Sulfur trioxide is the result of further oxidation of sulfur dioxide. This reaction can go backward or forward (it is a reversible reaction). So the sulfur dioxide can be oxidized into sulfur trioxide or the sulfur trioxide can be reduced into sulfur dioxide. Although sulfur trioxide is not good when produced in the environment, it is produced by manufacturers in order to make sulfuric acid.

There are three important conditions, as defined by the Haber process, that we need to look at to determine the rate of the reaction:

1. Temperature
2. Pressure
3. Catalyst

According to the Haber process, increased temperatures will produce greater quantities of the endothermic product. Increased pressure will favor the product that is currently in smaller volume. And a catalyst will bring the reaction to equilibrium quicker.