Chemistry 5070 · O Level · Reversible reactions and equilibrium

Reversible reactions and equilibrium — practice question

Within the contact process, sulfur trioxide is formed by catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide. In a sealed vessel, the following equilibrium is established. 2SO$_2(g)$ + O$_2(g)$ $\rightleftharpoons$ 2SO$_3(g)$ The reaction is exothermic.
(a)[1]

Name the catalyst involved in this reaction.

(b)[1]

Draw a ‘dot-and-cross’ diagram for an oxygen molecule. Include only the outer-shell electrons.

(c(i))[3]

Describe how, and explain why, the percentage yield of sulfur trioxide varies with temperature.

(c(ii))[2]

Suggest why the reaction is carried out at 450$^\circ$C and not at 250$^\circ$C.

(d)[2]

Describe how, and explain why, the position of equilibrium changes when the pressure increases.

(e)[1]

Sulfur trioxide oxidises hydrogen bromide to produce sulfur dioxide, bromine and water. Construct the equation for this reaction.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Vanadium(V) oxide / V₂O₅

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