Dihydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas by partial oxidation with steam as per following endothermic reaction : CH_(4(g)) + H_2O_((g)) hArr CO_((g)) + 3H_(2(g)) (a) Write as expression for K_pfor the above reaction. (b) How will the values of K_p and composition of equilibrium mixture be affected by (i) increasing the pressure (ii) increasing the temperature (iii) using a catalyst ?

Dihydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas by partial oxidation with

1.	Dihydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas by partial oxidation with steam as per following endothermic reaction : CH_(4(g)) + H_2O_((g)) hArr CO_((g)) + 3H_(2(g)) (a) Write as expression for K_pfor the above reaction. (b) How will the values of K_p and composition of equilibrium mixture be affected by (i) increasing the pressure (ii) increasing the temperature (iii) using a catalyst ?
Answer» Solution :(a)`K_p` for reaction : `K_p = ((p_(CO))(p_(H_2))^3)/((p_(CH_4))(p_(H_2O)))` (b) (i) According to Le-Chatelier.s principle with increases in pressure equilibrium will shift to the LEFT to produce less number of moles. (ii) Since the reaction is exothermic, with increases in TEMPERATURE equilibrium will shift to the BACKWARD direction (endothermic reaction). (iii) Equilibrium will not be disturbed by using a catalyst. However equilibrium will be attained quickly.