For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of removing SO3

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Question: For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of removing SO3 on the equilibrium? (2020)

Options:

Correct Answer: The equilibrium will shift to the right

Exam Year: 2020

Solution:

Removing SO3 will shift the equilibrium to the right to produce more SO3, according to Le Chatelier\'s principle.

For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of removing SO3 on the equilibrium? (2020)

For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of removing SO3 on the equilibrium? (2020)

Step 1: Understand that the reaction involves sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxygen (O2), and sulfur trioxide (SO3).
Step 2: Recognize that the reaction can go in both directions, meaning it can produce SO3 or break down SO3 back into SO2 and O2.
Step 3: Know that equilibrium is a state where the amounts of reactants and products remain constant.
Step 4: Identify that removing SO3 means there is less product in the reaction.
Step 5: Apply Le Chatelier's principle, which states that if a change is made to a system at equilibrium, the system will adjust to counteract that change.
Step 6: Conclude that removing SO3 will cause the equilibrium to shift to the right to produce more SO3, in order to replace what was removed.

Le Chatelier's Principle – When a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, pressure, or temperature, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.