Question:
Oxidation of Sulphur dioxide into Sulphur trioxide in the absence of a catalyst is a slow process but this oxidation occurs easily in the atmosphere. Explain how does this happen. Give chemical reactions for the conversion of SO2 into SO3.
Solution:
Oxidation of sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide is slow in uncatalysed reaction but easily can be oxidized in the presence of a catalyst in the atmosphere. The atmosphere contains matters which can act as a catalyst.
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2SO3 (g)