Question

Ammonium sulfate is a compound in fertilisers.

Ammonium sulfate can be made using an industrial process or in the laboratory.
In the industrial process, the following steps are used.
1. React streams of ammonia solution and sulfuric acid together.
2. Evaporate the water by passing the solution down a warm column.
3. Collect dry crystals continuously at the bottom of the column.
In the laboratory, the following steps are used.
1. React ammonia solution and sulfuric acid in a conical flask.
2. Evaporate water from the solution until crystals start to form.
3. Leave to cool and crystallise further.
4. Separate the crystals using filtration.
5. Dry the crystals between pieces of filter paper.
Evaluate the two methods for producing a large mass of ammonium sulfate.

Answer 1

The industrial process for producing ammonium sulfate is more efficient and effective for producing a large mass of the compound. This is because the industrial process uses a continuous process that allows for a steady flow of reactants and a continuous collection of dry crystals. In contrast, the laboratory method involves batch processing, which is less efficient and may not produce as much ammonium sulfate in the same amount of time. Additionally, the industrial process involves evaporating the water using a warm column, which allows for more efficient water removal and the formation of dry crystals. In the laboratory method, water is simply evaporated through heating, which is less efficient and may result in incomplete water removal. Overall, the industrial process is better suited for producing a large mass of ammonium sulfate.