19. A catalytic converter in an automobile uses a palladium or platinum catalyst

Question

19. A catalytic converter in an automobile uses a palladium or platinum catalyst to convert carbon monoxide gas to carbon dioxide according to the following reaction: 2CO(g)+O2(g)2CO2(g) A chemist researching the effectiveness of a new catalyst combines a 2.0 : 1.0 mole ratio mixture of carbon monoxide and oxygen gas (respectively) over the catalyst in a 2.45L flask at a total pressure of 750 torr and a temperature of 552 C. When the reaction is complete, the pressure in the flask has dropped to 556 torr . What percentage of the carbon monoxide was converted to carbon dioxide?

Explanation / Answer

Let initial number of moles of O2 be x mol and that of CO be 2x mol
Total moles= 3x
P = 750 torr = 750/760 = 0.99 atm
use:
P*V= n*R*T
0.99*2.45 = 3x*0.0821 * (552+273)
x= 0.012 mol

So,
2CO(g)   +    O2(g)           2CO2(g)
0.024             0.012 mol            0     (initial moles)
0.024-2y      0.012-y                2y   (final moles)

Final total moles = 0.024-2y + 0.012-y + 2y= 0.036 - y
p = 556 tott = 556/760 atm = 0.732 atm
use
P*V= n*R*T
0.732 * 2.45 = (0.036-y)*0.0821*(552+273)
0.036-y = 0.0265
y=0.00954 mol

initial CO = 0.024 mol
Converted = 2 y = 2*0.00954 =0.019 mol
Percentage conversiion = 0.019*100 / 0.024 = 79.5 %

Answer: 79.5 %

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse 1
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.