An aqueous waste stream with a maximum concentration of 0.50 M H₂SO₄ (d = 1.030 g/mL at 25°C) is neutralized by controlled addition of 40% NaOH (d = 1.430 g/L) before it goes to the process sewer and then to the chemical plant waste treatment facility. A safety review finds that the waste stream could meet a small stream of an immiscible organic compound, which could form a flammable vapor in air at 40.°C. The maximum temperature reached by the NaOH solution and the waste stream is 318C. Could the temperature increase due to the heat transferred by the neutralization cause the organic vapor to explode? Assume that the specific heat capacity of each solution is 4.184 J/g·K.

To determine if the vapor will explode it is necessary to calculate the temperature of the system. If the temperature is above the temperature at which the flammable vapor becomes explosive; then it could explode.

Hence,

the balanced chemical equation is ;

H₂SO₄(aq) + 2NaOH(aq0 → Na₂SO₄( aq) + H₂O(l)

2H⁺ + 2OH⁻ → 2H₂O(l)

Hence,

In order to calculate the heat of formation of water :

ΔH°(reaction) = ∑m( ΔfH°(product) - ∑m(ΔfH°(reactant))

= [2(-285.8kJ)] -[ 2(-229.94kJ)]

ΔH°(reaction) = -111.7 kJ

Now,

The temperature increased is calculated by using the following expression:

ΔT= [tex]\frac{q}{c.m}[/tex]

Now ,

to determine the total mass of the system ,

we have,

Mass of H₂SO₄= 2060g

Mass of NaOH = 200g

Now,

ΔT = 111.7 × 1000/ 4.181 × 2260

= 11.82°C

The temperature increased is therefore 42.82°C(31°C+11.82°C) .

Thus from the above conclusion we can say that yes it is possible that the vapor will explode.

Learn more about Raschig process here: brainly.com/question/17924325

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