Q22.50P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Why is commercial ${\mathbf{\text{H}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}{\mathbf{\text{SO}}}_{\mathbf{\text{4}}}$ so inexpensive? 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Since every step of the process is exothermic and heat is a useful by-product. So ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$ commercial is inexpensive.

Step 1: Concept Introduction

Sulfuric acid is created industrially by reacting water with sulphur trioxide which is made by combining sulphur dioxide and oxygen chemically using either the contact or chamber processes.

Step 2: Information Provided

Every step of the process of production of ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$ is exothermic ((burning S, oxidizing ${\text{SO}}_2$,  hydrating ${\text{SO}}_3$), and heat is a desirable byproduct. The majority of the heat is sold as steam, with the remainder being used to circulate gases around the plant. A typical plant that produces 825 tonnes of ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}$ per day generates enough steam to create ${\text{7x10}}^{\text{6}}$ watts of electricity.