Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Pollution — A/L Chemistry

What must I remember about Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Pollution?

• Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis: N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g) (ΔH = -92 kJ mol⁻¹) operates under compromise conditions of 400–450 °C, 200 atm, and iron catalyst.
• Contact process for sulfuric acid: catalytic oxidation of SO₂ to SO₃ over V₂O₅ catalyst at 450 °C; absorption of SO₃ in 98% H₂SO₄ forms oleum (H₂S₂O₇), which is diluted to acid.
• Ostwald process for nitric acid: catalytic oxidation of ammonia over Pt-Rh gauze at 900 °C into NO, oxidation to NO₂, and absorption in water.
• Sri Lankan chemical industries include solar saltern common salt (NaCl) extraction, soap and detergent production, and natural rubber vulcanization with sulfur.
• Major environmental pollution phenomena: Acid rain (SO₂, NO_x emissions forming H₂SO₄ and HNO₃), Photochemical smog (NO_x, VOCs, ozone), and stratospheric ozone depletion by CFC radicals.

Test yourself (1 minute)

1. Which principles does green chemistry emphasize?

   Green chemistry principles emphasize atom economy, waste prevention, energy efficiency, safer solvents, and the use of renewable raw materials.

2. Greenhouse effect

   greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, CFCs) absorb outgoing thermal infrared radiation, driving global temperature increase.

3. Water pollution parameters

   Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measures dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms to decompose organic waste.

Practise Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Pollution questions today

Source: NIE G.C.E. (A/L) Chemistry Syllabus (Unit 14)

Where does Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Pollution fit in the syllabus?

Grade 13 · Term 3