Approaching Equilibrium in the N2O4-NO2 System:: A Common Mistake in Textbooks

• I. A. Leenson ^[1]
  1. [1] Moscow State University

     Moscow State University

     Rusia

     
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 77, Nº 12 (December), 2000, págs. 1652-1652
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • The paper deals with a widespread mistake in standard textbooks--an experiment with a shift of the equilibrium in gaseous mixtures of nitrogen oxides upon abrupt compression. Any explanation of this experiment should take into account two facts: noticeable heating upon compression and extremely fast chemical reactions in the system (relaxation time is of the order of a microsecond). The paper presents experimental data on kinetics in the system approaching equilibrium and the calculations of the equilibrium mixture just after compression. The paper will be suitable for an in-class lecture activity and will be useful for teachers and students in general chemistry and physical chemistry courses (gas laws, chemical thermodynamics and kinetics).