Chemistry: Maxwell Distribution Curve Flashcards
How do particles in a gas or solution move?
-few moving very slowly -few moving very fast -most at intermediate energies -no particles have 0 energy
How do we use the Maxwell Distribution Curve to find the number of particles with sufficient energy?
area under graph to right of activation energy line
What factors affect the position of the Maxwells Distribution Curve?
-temperature -concentration of solution - pressure of gas -catalyst
How does the position of the MBDC change at higher temperatures?
peak of curve is lower and moves to right
How does the position of the MBDC change at higher solution concentrations and at a greater gas pressure?
peak of curve higher, follows original outline, more space under graph to right
What does a catalyst affect the position of a MBDC?
reduces activation energy by providing alternative pathway, particles have more energy to successfully collide, activation energy line further to left of curve
What do catalytic converters do?
reduce levels of numerous polluting gases
Describe the structure of a catalytic converter
honeycomb shape made of ceramic materials and coated in platinum and rhodium metals
How does the honeycomb shape provide?
a large surface area
How does carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrous oxide (NO) react in a catalytic converter?
CO+NO -> CO2 + N
How do hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide react in a catalytic converter?
CH4 + 4NO -> 4N + CO2 + 2H2O
Outline how reactions take place on catalytic converters to reduce polluting gases
-adsorption, gas forms weak bonds with metal atoms on catalyst -gases held in place at right position to react -desorption, products break away from metal atoms
-catalyst free to be re-used
