Question

Water gas, an individual fuel, consisting $CO$ and $H_2$ in equimolar amounts is obtained by passing steam over red-hot carbon in accordance with the reaction:
$C\left(s\right)+H_{2}O\left(g\right)\rightleftharpoons CO\left(g\right)+H_2\left(g\right);\Delta H=+130.5kJ$
The yield of water gas can be increased by:
(1) Reducing the total pressure of the system
(2) Increasing pressure of steam
(3) Raising the temperature
(4) Introducing hot carbon

• A. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
• B. 1 and 2 are correct
• C. 2 and 4 are correct
• D. 1 and 3 are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1, 2 and 3 are correct

The given reaction is :-

$C\left(s\right)+H_2{O}_{\left(g\right)}\rightleftharpoons CO\left(g\right)+H_{2\left(g\right)};△H=+130.5KJ/mol$

(I) Low pressure favours the reaction which are accompanied by increase of total no. of moles. So, reducing pressure of the system favours forward reaction.

(II) If the pressure of steam is increased then, by Le Chatelier's principle, the forward reaction is favoured.

(III) Since the endothermic in nature, the increase of temperature favours the forward reaction as predicted by Le Chatelier's principle.