For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of removing SO3
Practice Questions
Q1
For the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of removing SO3 on the equilibrium? (2020)
The equilibrium will shift to the right
The equilibrium will shift to the left
The equilibrium will remain unchanged
The reaction will stop
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
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.
