Thermochemistry and Equilibrium Application Assignment
For all of these topics… be sure to give as much chemistry as possible. Include all relevant diagrams,
pictures, and equations.
Topic 1: Energy
Energy is central to our way of life in North America. Currently in Ontario, our household and industrial
energy needs are met by electricity generated through nuclear power, hydroelectric power and the burning of
fossil fuels. All three of these forms of power generation involve finite resources; accordingly alternative
renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, water, geothermal and biomass power generation) have a
growing presence in the energy debate. All sources of power generation have clear advantages and
disadvantages in their application.
For this topic research two forms of renewable power generation.
Evaluate your chosen energy technologies in terms of efficiency and impact on the environment. You may find
it helpful to use the following questions to guide your research:
 How much of (what proportion of) Ontario’s (Canada’s) energy needs are served by this energy resource?
 What are the advantages and disadvantages of expanding the availability of these resources?
 How efficient is this energy source? What can be done to improve its efficiency?
 Describe the chemical reactions involved in this process. Be sure to talk about potential and kinetic energy
Topic 2: Rates of Reaction
Catalysts are widely used in many industries. The petroleum industry uses catalysts for many processes,
including the refining of oil for fuels and for the synthesis of polymers to make plastics and fibers. Other areas
of industry that depend on catalysts include the food industry, pollution control, environmental protection,
health, and new sources of energy. Biological catalysts, called enzymes, are also used in industry.
For this topic research two catalysts used in industry.
Evaluate your chosen catalysts in terms of the social and industrial benefits of the chosen catalysts and what
characteristics make these catalysts useful. For each catalyst, you may find it helpful to use the following
questions to guide your research:
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What is the chemical nature of the chosen catalyst? (ex- is it an inorganic compound containing a
transition metal, is it an organic compound containing a certain function group, is it an enzyme, or
something else?
Is it a heterogeneous catalyst or a homogeneous catalyst?
What is the mechanism of action of the catalyst?
What is the catalyst used for in industry?
How is your catalyst beneficial to the industry that uses it?
How is the catalyst beneficial/harmful to society or the environment?
Equilibrium systems are not just a topic to study in chemistry class. Equilibrium processes are abundant in
nature.
Topic 3: Biochemical Equilibrium
Your body contains many processes that must remain in balance to sustain your life. Breathing air is an
example of a body process that uses equilibrium. Scuba diving and carbon monoxide poisoning are two
examples where our ‘blood’ equilibrium can shift, causing unfortunate results for the person diving or
breathing the CO.
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What does SCUBA stand for?
What gas laws must a scuba diver understand? Briefly explain them giving equations if necessary.
Describe the condition known as ‘the bends’?
Can too much oxygen be toxic to humans?
Give equilibrium equations to show these concepts.
How is CO produced?
How does CO poisoning occur? Explain the process that occurs in the blood.
Give an equilibrium equation to show this.
How are people that have both CO poisoning and decompression sickness from scuba diving treated?
Topic 4: Biochemical Equilibrium
 What is the function of the gall bladder in our bodies?
 How do gallstones develop?
 Assess the impact of chemical equilibrium in this process.
 How are gallstones detected?
 Is it necessary for gallstones to be removed, and if so, how are they removed from our bodies?
 What is the function of the kidneys in our bodies?
 How do kidney stones develop?
 Assess the impact of chemical equilibrium in this process.
 How are kidney stones detected?
 Is it necessary for kidney stones to be removed, and if so, how are they removed from our bodies?
Topic 5: Biological Equilibrium
Equilibrium processes occur in the formation of a coral reef, and in the formation of a chicken eggshell.
 What is a coral reef, and what is the importance of a coral reef in nature?
 How is a coral reef formed?
 What gas is dangerous to the coral reef? What environmental issue(s) does this address?
 Explain the equilibrium that exists in the water, and show how too much of the previous mentioned
gas affects this equilibrium.
 Give the equilibrium equation that exists between a chicken’s breath and the strength or hardness of
their eggshell.
 Does the environment play a role in this equilibrium? If so, what environmental factor(s) can affect
this equilibrium?
 Does pH play a role in this equilibrium? If so, how?