Sulfur dioxide in the effluent gases from coal-burning electric power plants is one of the principal causes of acid rain. One method for reducing SO2 emissions involves partial reduction ofSO2 to H2S followed by catalytic conversion of the H2S and the remaining SO2 to elemental sulfur:
2H2S (g)+ SO2 (g) to 3 S( s ) + 2 H2O( g )
Using the data in Appendix B in the textbook, calculate Delta G degree. Show that this reaction is spontaneous at 25 degree C.
Estimate the temperature at which the reaction becomes nonspontaneous. Why does this reaction become nonspontaneous at high temperatures?