For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), if the volume of the container is de
Practice Questions
Q1
For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), if the volume of the container is decreased, what will happen to the equilibrium? (2021)
Shift to the right
Shift to the left
No change
Depends on the temperature
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), if the volume of the container is decreased, what will happen to the equilibrium? (2021)
Step 1: Understand that the reaction involves gases: 2SO2, O2, and SO3.
Step 2: Note that the left side of the reaction (2SO2 + O2) has 3 moles of gas (2 moles of SO2 + 1 mole of O2).
Step 3: The right side of the reaction (2SO3) has 2 moles of gas.
Step 4: When the volume of the container is decreased, the pressure inside the container increases.
Step 5: According to Le Chatelier's principle, the equilibrium will shift to reduce the pressure.
Step 6: The equilibrium will shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas to decrease the pressure.
Step 7: Since the right side has fewer moles (2 moles of SO3), the equilibrium will shift to the right.
Le Chatelier's Principle – This principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change.
Gas Laws – Understanding how changes in volume and pressure affect gas reactions and equilibrium.
