For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens to the equilibrium pos

For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens to the equilibrium position if the volume of the container is decreased? (2020)

For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens to the equilibrium position if the volume of the container is decreased? (2020)

Step 1: Understand that the reaction involves gases: 2SO2, O2, and SO3.
Step 2: Recognize that decreasing the volume of the container increases the pressure of the gases inside.
Step 3: Recall Le Chatelier's principle, which states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it will shift to counteract the disturbance.
Step 4: Identify the number of moles of gas on each side of the reaction: the left side has 3 moles (2 from SO2 and 1 from O2) and the right side has 2 moles (from SO3).
Step 5: Since the right side has fewer moles of gas (2 moles) compared to the left side (3 moles), the equilibrium will shift to the right side to reduce pressure.

Le Chatelier's Principle – This principle states that if an external change is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.
Gas Laws – Understanding how changes in volume affect pressure and the behavior of gases in a chemical reaction.
Stoichiometry of Gases – Analyzing the number of moles of gas on each side of a chemical equation to determine the direction of the equilibrium shift.