Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry

Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry — practice question

The hydrogen halides, HCl, HBr and HI, are able to undergo thermal decomposition. Inside a sealed container, equilibrium is reached according to the equation $\text{2HX(g)} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_2\text{(g)} + \text{X}_2\text{(g)}$ (where X = Cl, Br or I).
(a)[1]

A table lists some bond energies. Use these values to calculate the enthalpy change, $\Delta H$, for the thermal decomposition of hydrogen bromide, HBr, using the equation shown.

(b)

At $700\,\text{K}$, roughly $10\%$ of an HBr sample is decomposed. Changing the temperature affects both how fast HBr decomposes and the proportion that decomposes. The Boltzmann distribution for HBr at $700\,\text{K}$ is shown. $E_a$ is the activation energy for the reaction.

(b(i))[2]

On the same axes, sketch a second curve to show the Boltzmann distribution at a higher temperature.

(b(ii))[3]

With reference to the curves, state and explain the effect of increasing temperature on the rate of decomposition of HBr.

(b(iii))[3]

The decomposition of HBr is endothermic. State the effect of increasing temperature on the percentage of HBr that decomposes. Use Le Chatelier’s principle to explain your answer.

(b(iv))[3]

At $700\,\text{K}$ HBr is approximately $10\%$ decomposed but hydrogen iodide, HI, is approximately $20\%$ decomposed. Explain this difference with reference to bond strengths and the factors that affect them.

(c(i))[2]

At temperatures above $1500\,\text{K}$, HCl decomposes. A $0.300\,\text{mol}$ sample of HCl was allowed to decompose in a sealed container. The equilibrium mixture obtained was found to contain $1.50 \times 10^{-2}\,\text{mol}$ of $\text{Cl}_2$. Calculate the amounts, in $\text{mol}$, of $\text{H}_2$ and HCl in the equilibrium mixture.

(c(ii))[1]

Calculate each gas’s mole fraction in the equilibrium mixture.

(d(i))[1]

In a separate experiment carried out under different conditions, an equilibrium mixture was formed and the mole fractions for each species are shown. Write the expression for the equilibrium constant, $K_p$, for the decomposition of HCl: $\text{2HCl}(g) \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_2(g) + \text{Cl}_2(g)$.

(d(ii))[1]

Explain why knowing the system’s total pressure is not necessary in order to calculate $K_p$ for this experiment.

(d(iii))[1]

Calculate $K_p$ for this experiment.

(ii)[1]

Explain why it is unnecessary to know the total pressure of the system in order to calculate $K_p$ for this experiment.

(iii)[1]

Calculate the equilibrium constant, $K_p$, for this experiment.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 20-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Correct $\Delta H = +103\ \mathrm{kJ\ mol^{-1}}$

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