Question

In Miller's experiment, he used a mixture of $CH _4, NH _3, H _2$, and water vapour in a closed flask to mimic early earth's conditions. What was the temperature at which this flask was kept?

• A. 800 $^\circ $ C
• B. 1200 $^\circ $ C
• C. 200 $^\circ $ C
• D. 400 $^\circ $ C

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Miller sealed in a spark chamber a mixture of water $\left( H _2 O \right)$, methane $\left( CH _4\right)$, ammonia $\left( NH _3\right)$, and hydrogen gas $\left( H _2\right)$. He made arrangements for the insertion of two electrodes to provide electrical energy (simulation of lightning) to the spark chamber. $CH _4, NH _3, H _2$ were in a 2:1:2 ratio. Electric sparks of 75,000 volts were provided to the mixture. The spark chamber was connected to another flask with an arrangement for boiling water at $800^{\circ} C$ (provision for evaporation). The other end of the spark chamber was connected to a trap by a tube that passed through a condenser (an arrangement for condensation and collection of an aqueous solution, equivalent to rain and Haldane's soup). The trap, in turn, was connected with the flask for boiling water (arrangement for circulation).