Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumHeavy Chemicals and Fine Chemicals

Ammonia (NH3\text{NH}_3) is manufactured in bulk for agricultural fertilizers, whereas phenolphthalein is synthesized in small quantities as a high-purity laboratory indicator. Which of the following correctly describes the industrial classification and manufacturing method for each chemical?

  1. Ammonia is a heavy chemical produced by a continuous process, while phenolphthalein is a fine chemical produced by a batch process.Answer
  2. B
    Ammonia is a fine chemical produced by a continuous process, while phenolphthalein is a heavy chemical produced by a batch process.
  3. C
    Ammonia is a heavy chemical produced by a batch process, while phenolphthalein is a fine chemical produced by a continuous process.
  4. D
    Both ammonia and phenolphthalein are heavy chemicals produced by continuous industrial processes.

Answer

Ammonia is classified as a heavy chemical produced by a continuous process, while phenolphthalein is classified as a fine chemical produced by a batch process.
Heavy chemicals are inorganic or organic substances manufactured on a massive scale (high tonnage) using continuous processes because of their low unit cost and continuous industrial demand (e.g., ammonia, tetraoxosulfate(VI) acid, sodium hydroxide). Fine chemicals are specialized chemicals made in relatively small quantities with high purity levels using batch processes (e.g., pharmaceuticals, dyes, analytical indicators like phenolphthalein).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the scale of production and usage for Ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia is produced in thousands of tonnes per day as a fundamental starting material for fertilizers and nitric acid.
Chemicals produced in high volume and low unit cost for broad industrial utility are classified as heavy chemicals, and high demand necessitates a continuous process.
2
Analyze the scale of production and usage for Phenolphthalein
Phenolphthalein is produced in small quantities to meet precise purity specifications for acid-base titrations.
Chemicals manufactured in low volume, high purity, and high unit price for specialized applications are classified as fine chemicals, which are typically made in batch processes.
3
Match both substances to the correct operational processes
Ammonia = Heavy chemical (Continuous process); Phenolphthalein = Fine chemical (Batch process).
This correctly pairs chemical category with the corresponding mode of plant operation.

Key Concept

Classification of Heavy and Fine Chemicals
Rate this question

Topics

Heavy Chemicals and Fine Chemicals

More questions from this topic