Atom Economy

• What is the main aim of the reaction discussed?

  To make hydrogen
• What do we call the value that measures the efficiency of a reaction in terms of useful products?

  Atom economy
• What is the significance of waste products in industrial processes?

  They need to be quantified and managed
• How is atom economy calculated?

  Divide desired product's mass by total reactants' mass
• What is the atom economy of the reaction producing hydrogen?

  4.35%
• Why is an atom economy of 4.35% considered low?

  Only a small percentage forms useful products
• What is the atom economy of the reaction forming ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen?

  100%
• Why is it important to consider atom economy in chemical processes?

  • Raw materials are expensive
  • Less sustainable if waste is high
  • Waste disposal can be costly and harmful
• What are two solutions to improve atom economy?

  Use efficient reactions or utilize waste
• What other factors affect the profitability of a chemical reaction?

  • Percentage yield
  • Cost of raw materials
  • Position of equilibrium
  • Rate of reaction
  • Cost of maintaining conditions
• What is one of the costs associated with waste products?

  They can damage the environment
• What happens to useful by-products if they cannot be sold for much money?

  It's better than paying for waste disposal