Question

The equation that represents ‘coal gasification’ is:

• A. \( CO(g) + H_2O(g) \xrightarrow{673 \, K} CO_2(g) + H_2(g) \, ({catalyst}) \)
• B. \( C(s) + H_2O(g) \xrightarrow{1270 \, K} CO(g) + H_2(g) \)
• C. \( 2C(s) + O_2(g) \xrightarrow{1273 \, K} 2CO(g) + 4N_2(g) \)
• D. \( CH_4(g) \xrightarrow{1270 \, K} CO(g) + 3H_2(g) \, ({Ni}) \)

Hint:

In coal gasification, carbon reacts with steam to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen at elevated temperatures. The catalyst is typically used in some reactions, but not in the standard gasification process.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Coal gasification refers to the process of converting coal into a gaseous mixture known as "coal gas" by reacting it with water vapor at high temperatures. The main chemical reaction involved in coal gasification is the conversion of carbon (in coal) with steam to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The reaction can be written as: \[ C(s) + H_2O(g) \xrightarrow{1270 \, K} CO(g) + H_2(g). \] This reaction takes place at high temperatures (typically around 1270 K), which leads to the formation of CO and H2 gases. 
This is the correct reaction for coal gasification.

Answer 2

The process of 'coal gasification' involves converting solid coal (mostly carbon) into gases, primarily carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂). This is achieved by reacting coal with steam (H₂O) at high temperatures. The specific chemical reaction that illustrates this process is:

\( C(s) + H_2O(g) \xrightarrow{1270 \, K} CO(g) + H_2(g) \)

In this equation:

• C(s) represents solid carbon, the primary component of coal.
• H₂O(g) is steam, introduced into the reaction at a high temperature of 1270 K.
• CO(g) is carbon monoxide, one of the desired products.
• H₂(g) is hydrogen gas, another valuable product.

This reaction is conducted at high temperatures because it facilitates the breaking of bonds in the solid coal, allowing the formation of gaseous products. This reaction exemplifies the general principle of transforming solid fossil fuels into syngas, a mixture that can be used for various purposes, including as a fuel or a feedstock for further chemical synthesis.