In: Other
An elementary irreversible gas-phase reaction, A -> 2B, is taking place in an isothermal batch reactor. Assume ideal gas behavior for both species. Initially, the reactor contains only the reactant A at a pressure of 5.0 atm, a volume of 20.0 L, and a temperature of 400 K. The rate constant at this temperature is 0.25 min-1. Find the time required for the concentration of A to drop below 5% of its initial value in these two scenarios:
(a) A constant volume batch reactor (pressure increases over
time)
(b) A constant pressure batch reactor, or equivalently a piston
(volume increases over time).
(c) Comparing the times required from parts (a) and (b): If they
are equal, why do you think this is the case, despite the different
conditions? In the other possibility where one reactor reached the
specified concentration sooner, why? What can you say about how
conversion compares in the two reactors?