When water vapor H2O is heated to sufficiently high temperatures a significant portion of the water dissociates, or splits apart, to form oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2).
If it is assumed that this is the only reaction involved, the mole fraction x of H2O that dissociates can be represented by
r
K =
x
2p
t
1 − x
2 + x
where K is the reaction’s equilibrium constant and pt is the total pressure of the mixture.
If pt = 3atm and K = 0.05. determine the value of x that satisfies the equation.
Hints
• Use MATLAB. I do not tell you a specific function or method to use. Use whichever one is easiest!
• Remember to THINK, SKETCH, CODE, TEST, REPEAT!
• Make sure you understand what the question is asking for before you start!
• Show your work. What I mean by that is include your MATLAB script, any plots you make (a hint within a hint. . . HINTCEPTION!), and format it nice and pretty so the TA and I can follow along with your work. If you have questions on how to make it look pretty, ask the TA or Dr.B
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