Skip to content

Search the chemistry universe

Elements, molecules, concepts, simulations, experiments and pages.

Enter a formula, name or conceptFull search

General reaction laboratory

Choose reviewed reactants and conditions, observe products, balance atoms, calculate stoichiometry and inspect the energy change.

SchoolLive

Scientific learning path

  1. 01UnderstandLive
  2. 02ExploreLive
  3. 03ExperimentLive
  4. 04ObserveLive
  5. 05ExplainLive
  6. 06ApplyLive
  7. 07TestLive
Explanation mode

Interactive experiment

Live

2 SO2(g) + O2(g) → 2 SO3(g)

Observation

Start the model to reveal the expected macroscopic observation.

Theory

The catalyst changes the rate, not the equilibrium position; lower temperature favours products but slows the uncatalysed reaction.

Balance

Building

Edit coefficients only. Subscripts identify the substances and must not change.

SO2+O2→SO3
O4 before · 3 afterAdjust
S1 before · 1 afterConserved

Calculation

Reaction extent
0.500 mol
Standard ΔH
-98.9 kJ
SO3 produced
1.000 mol

ΔH° = -197.8 kJ per 2 mol SO2 consumed; scaled by reaction extent.

Energy change

ReactantsProductsΔH°

Procedure

  1. Select the first and second reactants.
  2. Set the amount of the first reactant.
  3. Select the reviewed reaction condition.
  4. Start and record the observation.
  5. Balance with coefficients, then compare atom totals.
  6. Use reaction extent to calculate product amounts and energy.

Result

Complete the interactive experiment to state a result.

Viva

  • Why can coefficients change while subscripts cannot?
  • Which reactant would limit the reaction if the second reactant were not supplied in its required ratio?
  • What does a negative standard enthalpy change mean?

Quick test

What must remain equal on both sides of an ordinary chemical equation?

Scientific references

Live
  • Atkins, de Paula & Keeler, Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 11th ed.
  • NIST Chemistry WebBook — thermochemical reference data.

Description of this simulation

Choose two reactants, the amount and a suitable condition, then start the reviewed contact-process oxidation model.

Quick test · 3 questions
1. Which statement is evidence from this simulation?
2. How should you test the effect of one control?
3. Why read the model notes?

Reaction learning path

6 of 17 reviewed reactions

Open foundation-to-advanced path

Objective

Connect a balanced equation to visible products, stoichiometric amounts and the sign of the energy change.

Safety

Live

Sulfur oxides are toxic and corrosive. This is an industrial-process simulation only.

This screen is a simulation, never a substitute for supervised laboratory risk assessment.

Chemicals

SO2(g) + O2(g)

Apparatus

  • Converter model
  • Catalyst trays
  • Gas flow controls
  • Temperature probe

What this model shows — and what it simplifies

Educational Model

This is a closed, stoichiometric teaching model.

Where do we see this in real life?

This equilibrium is the central conversion step in large-scale sulfuric acid manufacture.

Explain this result

Scientific review record

Building
Module version
v1 bundled
Published
Loading…
Last reviewed
Not yet verified
Academic level
School
Reviewer
Not publicly assigned

Loading source metadata…

Review method · Report an error