For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if the volume of the co

For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if the volume of the container is decreased? (2021)

For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if the volume of the container is decreased? (2021)

Step 1: Understand that the reaction involves gases: 2SO2, O2, and 2SO3.
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 right side has fewer moles of gas, the equilibrium will shift to the right to reduce pressure.

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 affect pressure and the behavior of gases in a chemical reaction.
Stoichiometry – The relationship between the quantities of reactants and products in a chemical reaction, particularly in terms of moles of gas.