The reaction H2 + I 2 = 2HI occurs in the gas phase within a closed piston
Question:
The reaction H2 + I 2 = 2HI occurs in the gas phase within a closed piston assembly. The gases
are ideal, and the reactor will operate isothermally. The reaction is first order in the
concentration of H2 , first order in the concentration of I 2 , and can be considered irreversible. The
measured Arrhenius activation barrier is 110 kJ/mol and the rate constant is measured as 3x10^-11
L/mol*s at 300 K.
1.) You want to maximize the conversion of the reaction, and can use the piston assembly to
expand or contract the volume of the reactor, with the constraint that the assembly cannot
sustain a gas pressure greater than 100 bar. You can also hook up a motor to the piston
assembly and control the volume of the piston reactor as a function of time if desired
(without exceeding 100 bar at any point in time). What V or V(t) will you operate at to
maximize the fractional conversion of I2 and what is the highest fractional conversion you
can achieve?