Question

It is possible to design a reactor where the SCY conductor and the nitrogen/ammonia electrode operate at different temperatures. Which combination of temperatures is expected to give the best results?

A. SCY temperature higher than electrode temperature.
B. SCY temperature lower than electrode temperature.
C. SCY temperature the same as electrode temperature.
D. The temperature of the components does not make a difference.

Answer 1

To achieve the best results in designing a reactor with a SCY conductor and nitrogen/ammonia electrode at different temperatures, it is recommended to have the SCY conductor at a lower temperature than the electrode.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to determine which combination of temperatures would give the best results in designing a reactor with a SCY conductor and nitrogen/ammonia electrode, we need to consider the equilibrium mixture and the yield of ammonia.

a. To find the highest proportion of H₂ and N₂ in the equilibrium mixture, we would want to have a lower temperature. This is because at lower temperatures, the reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen is favoured, leading to a higher proportion of H₂ and N₂ being present.

b. To maximize the yield of ammonia, we would design the commercial reactor to operate at a lower temperature as well. This is because a lower temperature favours the formation of ammonia.

Therefore, the best combination of temperatures would be having the SCY conductor at a lower temperature than the nitrogen/ammonia electrode.