Question

What is the purpose of the${\mathbf{WO}}_{\mathbf{3}}$ and Cu in Figure 27-8?

Short answer

The purpose of the ${\mathrm{WO}}_3$and Cu is explained below.

Step-by-step solution

Analzing oxidation and reduction reaction.

• The loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion during a reaction is referred to as oxidation.When the oxidation state of a molecule, atom, or ion increases, this is referred to as oxidation.
• Reduction is a half-reaction in which a chemical species reduces its oxidation number by gaining electrons. The other half of the reaction involves oxidation, which involves the loss of electrons.

Determining the purpose of WO3 and Cu

The purpose of the ${\mathrm{WO}}_3$and Cu is explained below.

${\mathrm{WO}}_3$- oxidation catalyst

Catalyzes the combustion of carbon to carbon dioxide (oxidation) in the presence of excess oxygen in the atmosphere

Cu - reduction catalyst

Catalyzes the conversion of ${\mathrm{SO}}_3$to ${\mathrm{SO}}_2$ (reduction) and also removes the excess oxygen via the reactions below

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Cu}+{\mathrm{SO}}_3\to {\mathrm{SO}}_2+\mathrm{CuO} \\ 2\mathrm{Cu}+{\mathrm{O}}_2\to 2\mathrm{CuO} \end{gathered}$$

Therefore the purpose of the ${\mathrm{WO}}_3$and is explained clearly.