At 1200 K, the approximate temperature of automobile exhaust gases (Figure 15.15), Kp for the reaction

Is about 1 × 10-13. Assuming that the exhaust gas (total pressure 1 atm) contains 0.2% CO, 12% CO2, and 3% O2 by volume, is the system at equilibrium with respect to the CO2 reaction? Based on your conclusion, would the CO concentration in the exhaust be decreased or increased by a catalyst that speeds up the CO2 reaction?

Transcribed Image Text:

2 CO2(g)2 CO(g) O2(g)