Methanol is industrially synthesized from synthesis gas according to the following reversible reaction:
CO(g)+2H2(g)⇌CH3OH(g)ΔH=−90 kJ mol−1 \text{CO}(\text{g}) + 2\text{H}_2(\text{g}) \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{OH}(\text{g}) \quad \Delta H = -90\text{ kJ mol}^{-1} CO(g)+2H2(g)⇌CH3OH(g)ΔH=−90 kJ mol−1A copper-based catalyst (Cu/ZnO/Al2O3\text{Cu/ZnO/Al}_2\text{O}_3Cu/ZnO/Al2O3) is employed to accelerate the process.
Which row in the table correctly describes the effect of adding this catalyst on the activation energy of the reverse reaction (Ea, reverseE_{\text{a, reverse}}Ea, reverse) and the equilibrium yield of methanol?
| Activation energy of the reverse reaction (Ea, reverseE_{\text{a, reverse}}Ea, reverse) | Equilibrium yield of methanol | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Decreases | Does not change |
| B | Decreases | Increases |
| C | Does not change | Increases |
| D | Does not change | Does not change |
Row A
Row B
Row C
Row D
Practise Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Dynamic equilibria with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 30 questions, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
