Question

When steam is passed through red hot coke: (a) \(\mathrm{CO}\) and \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) are formed (b) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) are formed (c) Petrol gas is obtained (d) \(\mathrm{CO}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) are formed

Short answer

(d) \(\mathrm{CO}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) are formed.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Reactants

The problem involves steam (2O) being passed over red-hot coke, which is essentially carbon (2). Our task is to determine the products of this reaction.

Examining the Reaction

When steam reacts with carbon at high temperatures (red-hot condition), a specific side reaction known as the water-gas shift reaction occurs. This is represented by the equation:\[ \mathrm{C} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO} + \mathrm{H}_2 \]

Identifying the Correct Product

From the reaction, we can see that carbon monoxide (\(\mathrm{CO}\)) and hydrogen gas (\(\mathrm{H}_2\)) are formed, which matches option (d) exactly, indicating it as the correct choice.

Key concepts

Red Hot Coke

Red hot coke refers to carbon in its most active state, achieved by heating it to very high temperatures, often in the absence of oxygen. This heating process makes the coke red hot, which means it is extremely hot and capable of initiating various chemical reactions. High temperature is crucial here because it provides the necessary energy for certain reactions to occur.
One of these reactions involves steam. The ability of red-hot coke to engage in these reactions is an important aspect in industrial processes, particularly in the production of syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Red hot coke is a vital element because it acts as a reducing agent, helping to break chemical bonds in the steam, thus facilitating chemical changes that lead to the formation of new substances.
Interestingly, this process underscores principles of thermodynamics, where heat acts as a catalyst, providing energy for the reaction to take place. Without sufficient heat to maintain the coke at a red-hot state, the steam reaction would not be as efficient or productive.

Steam Reaction

The steam reaction is a chemical process involving water in its gaseous form, known as steam, and another reactive element, in this case, red hot coke. The steam acts as an oxidizing agent and reacts with the coke to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Steam is a common reactant in industrial chemistry due to its capacity to combine with other substances to produce useful gases. In this process, the steam provides oxygen, which is essential for the partial oxidation of carbon in coke. The resulting reaction is known as a water-gas shift reaction.

• This reaction is crucial because it serves as a fundamental step in converting solid carbon into gaseous products.
• The reaction maximizes the utility of water, transforming it from a simple compound into a valuable resource for gas production.

By breaking the molecules of steam, energy is released, providing further support to the ongoing chemical changes, shedding light on essential industrial applications where heat and molecular interaction play key roles.

Gas Production

Gas production through the water-gas shift reaction is a significant industrial process where valuable gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen are generated. Being able to produce these gases consistently and efficiently is crucial for various applications.
The process takes advantage of the simple reactants, steam and coke, and through high temperatures, transforms them into useful outputs. The resulting gases have numerous applications:

• Carbon monoxide is used in the manufacturing of chemicals and as a building block for synthesis gas (syngas).
• Hydrogen is essential in fuel industries, including the development of clean energy technologies.

This transformation is vital in supporting economic activities and enabling advances in technology. Gas production through steam and red hot coke highlights the importance of chemistry in solving real-world problems by converting raw materials into beneficial resources. Recognizing this process as a simple yet powerful method underscores the value of industrial chemistry in everyday life.

Carbon Monoxide Formation

Carbon Monoxide Formation is a core aspect of the reaction between red hot coke and steam. When these two components are combined at high temperatures, one of the primary outcomes is the generation of carbon monoxide rThe equation for this reaction can be expressed as:\[\mathrm{C} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO} + \mathrm{H}_2\]Here, carbon, in its reactive form as red hot coke, interacts with steam to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas as by-products.

• This process is an example of a redox reaction, where reduction and oxidation occur simultaneously.
• Carbon gains oxygen (oxidation) forming carbon monoxide, while the hydrogen in steam loses its oxygen, forming molecular hydrogen.

The production of carbon monoxide is significant, not just in industrial settings but also in academic inquiries where understanding its formation provides insights into thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Moreover, efficiently producing carbon monoxide has practical implications in providing feedstocks for further chemical synthesis, making this aspect of the reaction vital for students and professionals alike.