Question

In the lead chamber process, which one of the following oxides is used as a catalyst?
A. $NO$
B. $N{O_2}$
C. ${N_2}{O_3}$
D. ${N_2}{O_5}$

Answer 1

Hint: To solve this question, we must first understand the concept of Lead chamber process. Then we need to assess the reaction mechanism and observe which of the provided oxides is being used and then only we can conclude the correct answer.

Complete answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of this given question, let us first understand some basic concepts:
Catalyst: It is a substance that can be added to a reaction to increase the reaction rate without getting consumed in the process. Catalysts typically speed up a reaction by reducing the activation energy or changing the reaction mechanism.

Lead-Chamber Process: It is a method of producing sulfuric acid by oxidizing sulfur dioxide with moist air, using gaseous nitrogen oxides as catalysts, the reaction taking place primarily in a series of large, boxlike chambers of sheet lead. The lead-chamber process has been largely supplanted in modern industrial production by the contact process.
So from the above explanation we can conclude that, lead chamber process is an industrial method used to produce sulfuric acid in large quantities. In this process $S{O_2}$​ and oxygen is reacted in presence of $N{O_2}$​ and converted into \[S{O_3}\] ​.
And Hence, $N{O_2}$​ is used as a catalyst in this process.
So, the correct answer is Option, ‘B. $N{O_2}$’.

Note: Sulfuric acid is a very important commodity chemical, and a nation's sulfuric acid production is a good indicator of its industrial strength. It is widely produced with different methods, such as contact process, wet sulfuric acid process, lead chamber process and some other methods.