73.9k views
5 votes
N₂ and H₂ are mixed in a closed container fitted with a piston. What is the resulting gas mixture?

1) N₂
2) H₂
3) NH₃
4) N₂H₄

User Ysfcyln
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

When N₂ and H₂ are mixed, they may react to form NH₃, known as the Haber process. The question's scenario, assuming ideal gas behavior and given masses, allows calculation of the container's volume at STP using the Ideal Gas Law.

Step-by-step explanation:

When N₂ (nitrogen gas) and H₂ (hydrogen gas) are mixed in a closed container, they have the potential to react to form ammonia (NH₃) under the right conditions, such as the presence of a catalyst and an appropriate temperature and pressure. This reaction is described by the balanced chemical equation: N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g). This is a well-known reaction called the Haber process, which is used in industrial ammonia production.

In the scenario provided, a container at Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) contains a certain amount of these gases along with argon (Ar), which is inert and does not react. Assuming ideal behavior of gases, to find the volume of the container, we would use the Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT. However, since multiple gases are present, we need to calculate the moles of each gas and sum them to find the total moles before calculating the volume of the container.

To calculate the moles of each gas, we would use their respective molar masses. For hydrogen, the molar mass is approximately 2 g/mol; for nitrogen, it's approximately 28 g/mol; and for argon, it's approximately 40 g/mol. By dividing the mass of each gas by its molar mass, we get the number of moles of each gas. After summing the moles and applying the Ideal Gas Law while utilizing the constants for STP conditions, we can find the volume of the container.

User Paul Schreiber
by
7.3k points