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

For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of decreasing the volume? (2021)

For the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what is the effect of decreasing the volume? (2021)

Step 1: Understand that the reaction involves gases: 2SO2, O2, and SO3.
Step 2: Count the number of gas molecules on each side of the reaction.
Step 3: On the left side (reactants), there are 2 SO2 + 1 O2 = 3 moles of gas.
Step 4: On the right side (products), there are 2 SO3 = 2 moles of gas.
Step 5: Recognize that decreasing the volume of the container increases the pressure of the gases inside.
Step 6: Apply Le Chatelier's principle, which states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it will shift to counteract the disturbance.
Step 7: Since the pressure increases, the equilibrium will shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas.
Step 8: In this case, the right side has fewer moles (2 moles of SO3) compared to the left side (3 moles of gas).
Step 9: Therefore, the equilibrium will shift to the right, producing more SO3.

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 of Gases – Analyzing the number of moles of gas on each side of a chemical equation to determine the effect of volume changes.