Question

Identify correct composition of water gas from following.

• A. $\mathrm{CO}(g) + \mathrm{H_2O}(g)$
• B. $\mathrm{NO}(g) + 2\mathrm{H_2}(g)$
• C. $\mathrm{CO_2}(g) + 3\mathrm{H_2}(g)$
• D. $\mathrm{CO}(g) + \mathrm{H_2}(g)$

Hint:

Do not get confused between Water Gas and Producer Gas!
1. Water Gas is a mixture of $\mathrm{CO} + \mathrm{H_2}$ (think of hydrogen coming out of broken water molecules).
2. Producer Gas is a mixture of $\mathrm{CO} + \mathrm{N_2}$ (produced when coke is burned in a limited supply of standard air).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Identify the correct composition of industrial water gas.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Water gas is manufactured by passing superheated steam over red-hot coke at ~1270 K: C(s) + H₂O(g) → CO(g) + H₂(g). The equimolar mixture of CO and H₂ is also called synthesis gas or syn-gas, used for methanol and hydrocarbon synthesis.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Water gas is CO(g) + H₂(g), option (D).