The Contact Process Flashcards

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What is the Contact Process used to make in industry?

The Contact Process is used to make sulfuric acid on a large scale.

How is sulfur dioxide made in the first step of the Contact Process?

Sulfur dioxide is made by burning sulfur in air: sulfur + oxygen → sulfur dioxide.

What is the balanced symbol equation for the main reaction in the Contact Process?

2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g).

Is the main reaction in the Contact Process reversible, and what does reversible mean?

Yes, it is reversible. Reversible means the reaction can go forwards and backwards.

What catalyst is used in the Contact Process and why is it used?

Vanadium(V) oxide, V2O5, is used as a catalyst to speed up the reaction.

What temperature is used in the Contact Process and why is it called a compromise temperature?

About 450 °C is used. It is a compromise because it gives a good rate and a high yield, without being too hot.

What pressure is used in the Contact Process and why is it not made much higher?

A pressure of about 2 atmospheres is used. Higher pressure would increase cost and risk, but only give a small increase in yield.

Is the forward reaction 2SO2 + O2 → 2SO3 exothermic or endothermic, and what does that mean?

It is exothermic, which means it gives out heat energy to the surroundings.

How is sulfur trioxide turned into sulfuric acid in the Contact Process (in simple terms)?

Sulfur trioxide is dissolved in sulfuric acid to make oleum, then water is added to make more sulfuric acid.

Why is sulfur trioxide not added directly to water in the Contact Process?

Because it makes a fine mist of sulfuric acid, which is hard to collect safely.

Name three uses of sulfuric acid made by the Contact Process.

Sulfuric acid is used to make fertilisers, detergents, and car battery acid (and many other chemicals).