Coal Products

Introduction

We use a variety of materials for our necessities. Some are naturally occurring, while others are the result of human labour. Natural resources are plentiful as a result of the abundance of numerous resources in nature. Carbonization contributes significantly to global coal production. Coke is the primary by-product of high-temperature carbonization; approximately 4% of the total input coal is converted into tar and crude benzol (light oil), with significant amounts of gas also produced. The following useful products are produced by processing coal without the use of air:

1. Coal and Gas

2. Coke

3. Tar from coal

Coal and Gas

Coal gas is a combustible vapour fuel extracted from coal that is piped to customers. Town gas is a broader term for gaseous fuels produced for commercial sale and community use. In some places, it is also known as manufactured gas, syngas, or producer gas.

Depending on the techniques used to create it, coal gas is a mixture of gases such as, and, as well as volatile hydrocarbons, with minor quantities of non-caloric gases such as and as impurities.

In the nineteenth century, coal gas, which was primarily a by-product of the cooking process, was widely used for lighting, cooking, and heating. The rise in natural gas production coincided with industrialization and urbanisation, and the by-products, coal tars and ammonia, served as key chemical feedstock for the chemical industry.

Coal, crude oil, and natural gas are all considered fossil fuels

Coal, oil, and gas production

Coal gas is produced when coal is heated in an enclosed chamber with no air.

When bituminous coal is heated to 400 °C, it relaxes and coalesces, releasing water steam, rich gas, and tar. Crude oil, coal, and gas are examples of fossil fuels. Over centuries, coal oil was produced from the remains of dead trees and other plant debris. Crude oil and natural gas were extracted from dead sea creatures.

Composition of Coal gas

Coal gas is a gaseous mixture of \({H_2}\), CO, and \({H_4}\) that is produced and used as fuel by destructive distillation (burning bituminous coal in an inert atmosphere). Steam is occasionally introduced to combine with the heated coke, increasing gas production. It is primarily composed of \({H_2}\) and \({H_4}\), with trace amounts of other hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (a lethal gas), carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. It functions as both a fuel and an illuminant.

Uses of Coal

Coal is used for a variety of things, including

1. Electricity generation: Coal is primarily used to generate electricity. When thermal coal is burned, steam is produced, which powers turbines and generators that generate energy.

2. Liquification, as well as Gasification, is the process by which coal is burned and crushed with steam to produce town gas for home heating and lighting. It is liquefied to produce synthetic fuels that are similar to petrol and diesel.

3. Chemical, as well as other industries: Syngas can be used to create chemicals such as methanol and urea. Coal is widely used in the paper, textile, and glass industries. Coal is also used to make carbon fibre and other speciality components such as silicon metals.

Define Coke and State its Properties

Coal is distilled destructively to produce a high-carbon product. Coke is known as a virtually pure form of carbon due to its high carbon concentration. It’s a greyish-black solid that’s hard and porous. It is used as a reducing agent and a fuel in mineral extraction and steel production.

1. It has nearly pure carbon properties.

2. It is hard, porous, and black.

3. When it burns, it produces no smoke.

Uses of Coke

1. In metal extraction, it is used as a reducing agent.

2. Used in the steelmaking process.

3. It can also be used to generate energy.

Define Coal Tar and State its Properties

Coal Tar is a by-product of the coke manufacturing process. It has the same colour as coke, but it is a thick, viscous liquid with a foul odour. It is used to make synthetic colours, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, plastics, paints, and other products. Not only that, but it is also capable of producing naphthalene balls.

Coal tar was discovered in 1665 and used for medicinal purposes in the 1800s. Itchy skin, UV sensitivity, allergic reactions, and skin discolouration are all potential side effects. It’s unclear whether taking it during pregnancy is safe for the baby, and it’s not usually recommended to take it while breastfeeding.

Coal Tar Applications

Coal tar is primarily used to produce coal-tar products, as well as refined chemicals such as coal-tar pitch and creosote. Coal tar treatments have long been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and dandruff.

Summary

Coal, as a solid carbon-rich material that is black/brown and occurs in stacked sedimentary layers, is one of the most important fossil fuels. In the future, coal liquefaction techniques could provide readily available, non-polluting fuels and chemical raw materials. Analytical criteria play a significant role in the four coal refining processes described above. Fumes, oils, and tars, as well as soluble but low-volatile extracts, pitches, and cokes, must all be investigated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do fossil fuels pollute the atmosphere?

Ans. The combustion of fossil fuels produces significant amounts of air pollution and pollutants such as \({H_2}\), CO, and \(S{O_2}\), all of which can contribute to climate change by increasing the greenhouse effect.

2. What exactly is petroleum?

Ans. Petrol, plastic, and other chemical compounds are derived from petroleum, a mineral oil found beneath the ground or in the sea. Petroleum by-products include wax, kerosene, LPG, petrol, lubricating oil, and diesel.

3. What are the different types of coal?

Ans. The least valuable and softest type of coal, with the lowest carbon concentration, is peat. Because of its high moisture content, it is unsuitable for use as fuel.

Anthracite coal is the best available. This type of coal is also known as hard coal. It contains the most carbon. It only produces a small amount of smoke.

Lignite is slightly firmer than peat, but it is still quite soft. It contains more carbon than peat.

MATTER IS MADE UP OF PARTICLES

Introduction

Something that has mass, takes up space, and can be sensed by our five senses is said to be matter. We can put it simply by saying that the things we see and feel around us matter. There are different states of matter. Because of the characteristics of the constituent particles and how they interact, each of these forms of matter has a unique feature. Atoms and molecules make up these particles. The basic elements of matter, atoms, are capable of independent existence. The neutron, proton, and electron subatomic particles that make up each atom determine the characteristics of the atoms.

Matter

The matter is a combination of two or more pure elements. The classification of the material into solids, liquids, and gases is based on its physical characteristics. Its classification into elements, compounds, and mixtures is based on its chemical characteristics. Our surroundings can be either geographical or man-made. Geographical surroundings are formed by nature and affect the social and economic climate, while man-made environments are those that are man-made.

All living and non-living things are called matter because they contain mass and take up space, all forms of life, including gases like oxygen and hydrogen, are referred to as matter. The DNA in our cells, the ground we are standing on, electrons revolving around a nucleus, or any other object is matter.

Types of Matter

The matter is divided into the three categories below based on its physical nature:

  • Solids: Particles in solids are so closely packed and held in place by extremely strong intermolecular interactions that only vibratory motion is possible. They have a distinct volume and shape. Wood, iron, etc. are some examples.
  • Liquids: Compared to solids, liquids have more freedom of movement due to the weak intermolecular interactions that allow for particle movement. Despite taking on the shape of the container they are poured into, they have specific volumes. Examples include milk, water, etc.
  • Gases: These molecules move very freely and have a weak intermolecular interaction. The distance between them is also very large. They fill the container in which they are placed because they lack a set shape and a volume. Examples include hydrogen and methane.
The matter is divided into three categories: Solid, Liquid and Gas. In this image, the arrangement of particle is shown in the different phase of matters.

Applying pressure and changing the temperature can modify the nature of the three matter states mentioned above. There are particles in a matter that have kinetic energy; this energy rises with temperature. In solids, the distance between particles and kinetic energy is the smallest, whereas it is greatest in gases. The three types of matter that make up our environment are interchangeable through temperature changes. For instance, changing the temperature will cause ice to turn into water and back again.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons make up the primary units of matter, known as atoms. Protons have a positive charge, whereas electrons have a negative charge, making neutrons neutral particles with no charge. The nucleus of an atom is made up of neutrons and protons, and electrons revolve around this nucleus in their respective orbitals. The quantity and configurations of these subatomic particles greatly influence the stability and characteristics of the atom.

Protons, neutrons, and electrons make up the primary units of matter

Summary

The Panch Tatva, or air, earth, fire, sky, and water, was the system used by our ancient Indian thinkers to categorize matter. There are billions of atoms in every gram of matter. The matter is everything that has mass and takes up space. Matter is composed of particles that are always moving and have different properties in each of the three states of matter. The particles of matter are very tiny and have space between them.  The three types of matter that make up our environment are interchangeable through temperature changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What features do matter particles have?

Ans: The characteristics of matter particles are given below:

a) The intermolecular space that particles have is one of their distinguishing characteristics.

b) Intermolecular force exists among particles.

c) Matter is made up of moving particles.

2. In comparison to solids, liquids typically have a lower density. You must have seen that ice floats on water, though. Why?

Ans: Although ice is a solid, due to its structure, it has a lesser density than water. Ice floats on water because its molecules form a cage-like structure with lots of empty spaces.

3. How can water stored in a matka (earthen pot) cool throughout the summer?

Ans: Since the clay pot has many pores and is porous, the water seeps out of them and evaporates on the pot’s surface, which has a cooling effect. This chills the pot, which in turn causes the water inside to cool.

Matter Around Us

An Introduction to Matter

  1. The matter is anything that takes up space and has mass.
  2. All matter, whether it be living or non-living, is claimed to be composed of the five fundamental components (panch tattva) of air, earth, fire, sky, and water.
  3. The two ways that modern scientists categorize matter are based on its physical and chemical characteristics.
  4. Material is divided into three categories: solids, liquids, and gases based on its physical characteristics.
  5. The matter is divided into elements, compounds, and combinations based on its chemical makeup.
lead magnet

Physical nature of Matter

Tiny particles make up matter. The three fundamental categories of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—are based on how these particles are arranged. They are sometimes referred to as the physical states of matter. Additionally, this classification is based on variations in several physical characteristics, including mass, volume, form, stiffness, density, and particle arrangement.

The intermolecular attributes of different states of matter.

Physical Nature of Matter: The Solid-State

In general, all solids have a fixed volume with little compressibility, a fixed shape, and defined borders. When a force from outside the solid is applied, the solid usually keeps its shape. This demonstrates how stiff they are. Solids, however, may break under force.

Characteristics of Solids

  1. Solids have a definite shape
  2. Solids have fixed volume
  3. Solids cannot be compressed
  4. Solids have high density 
  5. Solids have negligible kinetic energy of the particle
  6. Solids do not show the property of diffusion
  7. Solids cannot flow

Physical Nature of Matter: The Liquid State

As we’ve seen, fluidity or particle motion is hardly noticeable, while stiffness is at its highest in the solid state. Both of these properties differ when the substance is liquid. In terms of the physical nature of matter, liquids are less rigid than solids and also exhibit considerably greater molecular motion. The presence of weaker inter-particle forces accounts for both of these properties in the liquid state.

Characteristics of Liquids

  1. Liquids do not have a fixed shape
  2. Liquids have a fixed volume
  3. Liquids cannot be compressed much 
  4. Liquids show fluidity but not rigidity 
  5. Liquids are less dense
  6. Particles can diffuse easily in a liquid state

Physical Nature of Matter: The Gaseous State

The gaseous state has the most inter-particle gaps out of the three states described by the Physical Nature of Matter. The different particles are kept together as tightly as possible in the gaseous state by inter-particle interactions. As a result, stiffness is at its lowest and fluidity is at its highest.

Characteristics of Gases

  1. Gases do not have fixed shapes
  2. Gases exhibit maximum fluidity
  3. Gases are highly compressible
  4. In the gaseous state, the kinetic energy of the particles is very high 
  5. Gases diffuse rapidly 

Summary

There are three different types of physical nature in the world around us. Solid, liquid, and gas are these we breathe in air, which is a gas, and we drink water, which is a liquid. Because different types of matter contain varied amounts of inter-particle space, we have mentioned three possible states of matter. In this article, we studied the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases. In a nutshell, this is how matter behaves physically in the universe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the differences between solids, liquids and gases?

SolidsLiquids Gases
Have strong intermolecular force.Weak intermolecular force.Very weak intermolecular force.
Have definite shape and volume.Do not have a definite shape, but have a definite volume.Neither have definite shape nor definite volume.
Have high density.Have low density.Have very low density.
Solids can not be compressed.Liquids can be compressed.Gases are highly compressible.

2. What do you understand by matter?

Ans. The matter is anything with mass that takes up space. Atoms are the minuscule constituent parts of matter. Matter exists in three different states. Gas, liquid, and solid.

3. What are physical property and chemical properties?

Ans. A substance’s physical property is a quality that can be seen or quantified without affecting the substance’s identity. Colour, density, hardness, and melting and boiling points are examples of physical qualities. The capacity of a substance to go through a particular chemical transition is described by its chemical property.

Ac Generator

Introduction

An engine used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy is an AC generator. Steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, and other similar devices all generate this energy. It creates a sinusoidal waveform of alternating current. Alternators are another name for AC generators. The electromagnetic induction law of Faraday is the foundation of an AC generator. According to this rule, anytime a conductor is exposed to a variety of magnetic fields, an electromotive force (EMF) is generated across it. This EMF is referred to as an induced EMF. Electromagnetic induction is the term for this phenomenon. Induced electromagnetic induction is the process by which a coil develops a potential difference as a result of changes in the magnetic flux flowing through it. Several types of AC generators, including polyphase generators, rotating field generators and spinning armature generators.

For more details watch the video of the Science Course for classes 6th, 7th, and 8th.

What is an AC Generator?

An AC generator is an engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of an alternating driving force. To provide a consistent magnetic field, an AC generator uses two magnet poles.

AC Generator Parts and Function

An electromagnet with two poles, the North Pole and the South Pole, is a component of an AC generator.  Below is a discussion of certain AC generator components, including the rotor, slip rings, and armature loop.

a. Field

The output voltage of an AC generator is obtained from the source using conductor loops. The field’s main function is to provide a magnetic field that will stimulate the gadget.

b. Armature

The armature coil is a coil that is part of the generator and produces output voltage. An armature coil’s job is to move electricity through the generator.

c. Prime Mover 

The primary mover of an AC generator is either an engine or a turbine. It serves as the appliance’s power supply.

d. Rotor 

A rotor is a revolving component with magnetic field spirals. It generates the necessary output voltage.

e. Stator

A stationary part holding the armature spirals is called a stator. A stator includes three different parts. They are stator frame, stator core, and armature spirals.

  1. Stator frame: A frame that grips the stator core and armature spirals.
  2. Stator core: There are slots in the inner part of the core that hold the armature spirals. A steel or iron is coated on the walls of the stator core to decrease the eddy current losses.
  3. Armature winding: They are bounded on the stator core.

f. Slip Rings

There are two small rectangular blocks fixed with slip rings called carbon brushes. They are attached to the galvanometer.

Principle of Electric Generator

The basis of AC generators is Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. A current-carrying coil placed in a consistent field of force produces the driving force that is referred to as the law.

Construction and Working of an AC Generator 

An AC generator consists of a rectangular coil with two magnet poles attached to it on either side. Two rings are used to fasten the coil’s (or loop’s) perimeter. The rings are joined together with brushes. When a conductor travels in a magnetic field, an electric 

The generator induces a current in it.

Working of an AC Generator

Between the magnet’s poles, a rotating rectangular coil, also known as an armature, is used. The magnetic field’s vertical axis is the centre of rotation. The flux in contact with the armature changes as it rotates constantly. The alteration in flux results in the generation of an emf. As a result, the galvanometer, slip rings, and carbon brushes produce an electric current. While direct current only travels in one direction, alternating current sometimes flips direction.

The production of the AC generator shown in the above graph is described as

  1. Induced EMF is zero when the coil is at point A because it moves equidistantly from the magnetic field’s curve at that point.
  2. A gradient of 90o is created between the coil‘s motion and the magnetic field as it moves from point A to point B, and induced EMF is at its highest level during this time.
  3. Moving the coil from A to B results in the same motion being equally far from the magnetic field and no generated EMF.
  4. The induced EMF is once more at its highest when the coil is moved from C to D since its motion is antiparallel to the magnetic field and its angle is 270o.
  5. The coil completes one cycle and moves equally far from the magnetic field when it moves from D to A. Induced EMF is therefore zero.

Advantages of AC Generator Over DC Generator

Category

AC Generator

DC Generator

Output VoltageHigher Output Voltage.It cannot generate a higher output voltage as it damages the functioning of the commutator.
ConstructionSimpler constructionConstruction is complicated due to a commutator.
FunctioningWorks on the principle of electromagnetic induction.DC generator functioning is more complex than an AC generator.
MaintenanceIt demands less maintenance.It demands more maintenance than an AC generator.
CostCheaperCosts higher than AC generator
EfficiencyTransmission efficiency is higher as AC reduces transmission losses. Transmission efficiency is lower.

You can also read “What is AC Voltage Capacitor?” for explanation of AC voltage.

Summary

A generator is an engine that changes one type of energy into another. Large currents are produced by electric generators for usage in industrial and domestic applications. There are two different kinds of electric generators: DC generators, which convert mechanical energy into direct current. A generator of alternating current that converts mechanical energy. On the Faraday law of EMI theory, an AC generator was placed. In an AC generator, the flux in contact with the armature varies as it rotates continuously. The shift in flux causes an emf to be generated. As a result, the galvanometer, slip rings, and carbon brushes produce an electric current. As an AC generator produces higher output voltage, it is easier to build, requires less maintenance, is more efficient, and is less expensive than a DC generator. Large currents are produced by electric generators for usage in industrial and domestic applications.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can we Generate EMF without Rotating the Coil in an AC Generator? Explain.

Ans: Yes, emf may be produced without the coil revolving. If the armature is made to move at a velocity perpendicular to the magnetic field, Emf can also be produced.

2. What is the reason for Heat Loss in the Generator?

Ans: Reasons for the heat loss in the generator can be, (a) generation of the by-products like carbon dioxide, and molecular friction, which can reduce the efficiency. The heat loss hinders the efficiency of the generator. So, the efficiency is never 100%. 

3. What is the Driving Force?

Ans: Induced emf is also termed as the driving force and can be expressed as, 

                                                      ε = N B Aωsinωt

where N is the number of turns in the coil, B is a magnetic field, A is an area, ω is the angular velocity

So, in an AC generator, the induced emf is proportional to the applied magnetic field.

4. Give examples of DC Sources.

Ans: The electrical appliances like radios, televisions, and solar panels. DC only travels in one direction and lacks any polarity.

Effects of Change of Temperature

Introduction

The measurement of a system or substance’s heat is called its temperature. The pace of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction typically increases as the temperature rises in most chemical processes. Temperature is the internal energy contained within a particular system. Temperature can be measured by a thermometer. Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius, which is written as °C, and can be also measured in Kelvin (K) and Fahrenheit (°F). Temperature alters the states of matter by reducing or increasing the interatomic distances. 

Temperature Effect/Effect of Temperature

In several ways, the temperature has an impact on substances, processes, and enzymes. A substance’s state can be altered by varying its temperature. As the temperature rises, a solid can turn into a liquid, and as the temperature rises more, a liquid can turn into a gas. At high temperatures, a solid can be directly converted into a gas and this process is known as sublimation. Similar to the process where liquids may turn into solids at low temperatures, gases can become liquids by raising pressure while lowering the temperature. The rate of response of the transformation between the different states of matter is also positively or negatively impacted by temperature.

Learn More about Temperature and Heat. Check out more videos in 7th Class Science Lesson no 4.

The Effect of Change of Temperature on Solid State

As the temperature rises, the particles’ kinetic energy rises as well. As a result of the increase in kinetic energy, particles move faster and begin vibrating more quickly. The forces of attraction between the particles are weakened or eliminated by the heat energy. The particles start to travel more freely after leaving their fixed places. At some point, the solid melts and becomes a liquid. The melting point of a solid is the temperature at which it begins to dissolve into a liquid. When two distinct solid objects formed of the same substance are melted, they might combine to form a new one, a process known as fusion.

Effect of Change of Temperature on States of Matter

Heating and cooling are the two primary methods for converting states of matter. By applying heat, a solid can be transformed into a liquid. Similar to how a liquid may become a gas by heating. The opposite is also true; when a gas loses any of its thermal energy, it turns into a liquid. Further, removing a liquid causes its heat energy to solidify. The rising temperature causes a rise in the kinetic energy of the particles and the interspace between them. The force of attraction between particles is reduced by the increase in kinetic energy. 

Effect of Temperature on Pressure

A physical force that is applied to an item by anything in touch with it is called pressure. The pressure can be estimated by the force per unit area. Three variables which affect how much pressure a gas exerts on the walls of the chamber of a container in which it is contained and surrounded by a vacuum. These factors are the quantity of gas within the chamber, the chamber’s size, and the gas’s temperature. The link between the pressure and temperature of gases can be explained, according to the gas law, which states that the pressure of a given volume of a specific gas is precisely proportional to its temperature at a constant volume. This relationship between pressure and temperature is what is meant by the term “pressure-temperature relationship.” It can be modelled as:

  P∝T

A system’s temperature changes cause the molecules in the gas to move more quickly, increasing the pressure on the gas container’s wall. The system’s pressure rises as a result. The pressure likewise lowers when the system’s temperature rises. As a result, for constant volume, the pressure of a given gas is exactly proportional to the temperature.

The gas expands in volume at constant pressure as the temperature rises. The volume of the gas grows because it requires more space to move since the kinetic energy of the molecules increases as the temperature rises.

Effect of Temperature on Pressure

Effect of Temperature-Examples

The usage of light sticks or glow sticks is one illustration of how temperature affects the speed of chemical reactions. Chemiluminescence, a chemical process, occurs on the light stick. But neither is needed for nor produced by this reaction. The temperature has an impact on its pace. Precipitation reaction, activation energy, etc. are further examples.

Summary

The many states of matter are significantly impacted by temperature. The impact of temperature varies depending on the condition of matter. The kinetic energy of the state increases with temperature, yet the force of attraction varies depending on the state. The various states of matter are also impacted under constant pressure and volume. The pressure of the gas drops while the volume remains constant. The volume of the gas grows with constant pressure.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Liquid State of Matter?

Ans: Between the solid and gaseous forms of matter is the liquid state. Ice (solid), liquid as water, and gas as vapor are the three states of water. Although liquids do not have particular shapes, they do have specific volumes. The force of attraction in the liquid state is stronger than that in the gaseous state and weaker than that in the solid state. Atoms in this state have kinetic energies that are higher than those in solids, but lower than those in gases.

2. What Happens when the Temperature of a Gas Increases at Constant Pressure?

Ans. The temperature of a given system or gas container rises as the pressure in that system or container rises. While the pressure remains constant, the temperature rises, the velocity of the gas molecules increases, and the volume of the gas rise. As the gas’ temperature rises, the gas ascends into the atmosphere.

3. What is the Relationship between Pressure and Volume in Boyle’s Law?

Ans: When the temperature is maintained constant, Boyle’s Law states that the pressure exerted by a certain quantity of gas (the number of moles) is inversely proportional to the volume. The volume of the gas reduces with increasing pressure, and vice versa. The molecule tends to approach.

Effect of Change of Pressure

Introduction

Pressure can be defined as the force exerted perpendicularly per square unit of area of any object. It is represented by the formula,                                                                                                                        

                                                             P = F ⁄ A

where P is the pressure, F is the force exerted on the object, and A is the area of the object. Pressure is measured in pascal, and is classified into absolute, atmospheric, differential, and gauge pressure. A change in pressure has different effects on different states of matter.

Change in Pressure

Since the pressure exerted on an object is the amount of force applied per unit area of that object, a change in area or a change in the amount of exerted force can result in a change in pressure. For example, if the surface area decreases, the pressure increases simultaneously when the surface area decreases, the pressure decreases provided that the force applied remains constant. 

Effect of Pressure on the States of Matter

Pressure change can have different effects on different states of matter. By exerting pressure on the matter particles, we can draw them closer. Therefore, applying pressure can cause liquids to turn into solids, and when pressure is applied to a gas that is contained in a cylinder, the gas begins to compress and turn into a liquid. As pressure rises, the volume of the gas reduces, which causes the gas to change into a liquid and then finally a solid. The volume of a gas is inversely related to its pressure and directly relates to the number of molecules it contains.

Pressure has less of an impact on solids because they are non-compressible forms of matter. By applying pressure and lowering the temperature, liquids can be transformed into solids.

Effect of Change of Pressure

Effect of Pressure on Equilibrium

The equilibrium will adjust to minimize a change in the pressure of a gaseous reaction mixture. If the pressure is raised, the equilibrium will change to favour a fall in the pressure. The equilibrium will change if the pressure is reduced to favour an increase.

When a system’s volume is reduced, the pressure will rise (and the temperature is constant). A greater number of collisions occur with the container’s walls. There will be fewer collisions and hence less pressure if there are fewer gas molecules. The equilibrium will change in a way that reduces the number of gas molecules, which will likewise reduce the pressure. To forecast which way equilibrium will shift in response to a change in pressure, we must consider how many gas molecules are involved in the balanced reactions.

For example, the chemical reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen is shown below:

                                                           N2 (g) + 3H2 (g)→ 2NH3↑

The proportion in the equation that balances is 1:3:2. In other words, the 1N2 molecule combines with the 3H2 molecule to produce NH3 gas (from the balanced equation). Four molecules of reactant gas must therefore be present to produce two molecules of product gas.

  • Pressure buildup will favour the reaction which results in fewer gas molecules. Because there are fewer product gas’ molecules, the forward reaction is more advantageous. Due to the rightward shift in equilibrium, the yield of NH3 will rise.
  • The reaction that produces more gas molecules will be more favourable as pressure drops. If there are more reactant gas molecules present, the reverse reaction is more favourable. As a result of the equilibrium shifting to the left, the yield of NH3 will decline.

Some Facts

  • Pressure is directly proportional to the temperature.
  • In contrast to solids and liquids, gases are more easily subjected to pressure.
  • Compared to gases, solids and liquids are less sensitive to pressure.
  • When air pressure is raised, the boiling point of water rises.
  • The equilibrium will adjust to minimize the change in pressure of the gaseous mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Changing the Size of the Container Affect the Pressure?

Ans: No change in concentration could change the pressure if the equilibrium reaction does not involve a change in the number of molecules in the gas phase. Therefore, altering the container’s size without also altering the pressure would have no impact on the reaction. The number of molecules stays constant and applies the same pressure whether the container size decreases or grows.

2. How can the Physical Condition of the Matter be Altered?

Ans: It is also possible to change the physical state of matter by adjusting the pressure that is applied. For example, by applying pressure and lowering the temperature, gases can liquefy. 

3. How does Pressure Affect the Boiling Point of a Liquid?

Ans: All liquids evaporate with an expansion. The expansion and delay of vaporization are the results of pressure on the surface. As a result, when pressure is applied, the boiling point rises.