Water can be decomposed to its elements, H₂ and O₂, using electrical energy or in a series of chemical reactions. The following sequence of reactions is one possibility:

(a) Show that the net result of this series of reactions is the decomposition of water to its elements.

(b) If you use 1000. kg of water, what mass of H2 can be produced?

(c) Calculate the value of ∆_rH° for each step in the series. Are the reactions predicted to be exo- or endothermic? 

(d) Comment on the commercial feasibility of using this series of reactions to produce H₂(g) from water.

Transcribed Image Text:

CaBr₂(s) + H₂O(g) Hg() + 2 HBr(g) HgBr₂(s) + CaO(s) CaO (s) + 2 HBr(g) HgBr₂(s) + H₂(g) HgO(s) + CaBr₂(s) HgO(s) → Hg(l) + ¹/2O₂(g)