For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens to the equilibrium if t
Practice Questions
Q1
For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens to the equilibrium if the volume of the container is decreased? (2022)
Equilibrium shifts to the left
Equilibrium shifts to the right
No effect on equilibrium
Equilibrium constant changes
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens to the equilibrium if the volume of the container is decreased? (2022)
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 (2SO2 + O2) and the right side has 2 moles (2SO3).
Step 5: Since the pressure increases when the volume decreases, the equilibrium will shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas to reduce the pressure.
Step 6: Conclude that the equilibrium will shift to the right side, producing more SO3.
Le Chatelier's Principle – This principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.
Gas Moles and Volume Relationship – Understanding how changes in volume affect the pressure of gases and the equilibrium position based on the number of moles of gas on each side of the reaction.
