The decomposition of NH3 to N2 and H2 was studied on two surfaces:

Without a catalyst, the activation energy is 335 kJ/ mol.
a. Which surface is the better heterogeneous catalyst for the decomposition of NH3? Why?
b. How many times faster is the reaction at 298 K on the W surface compared with the reaction with no catalyst present? Assume that the frequency factor A is the same for each reaction.
c. The decomposition reaction on the two surfaces obeys a rate law of the form

How can you explain the inverse dependence of the rate on the H2 concentration?

Transcribed Image Text:

Surface E kJ/mol 163 197 Os Rate: XY IH:]