In the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if the concentration of
Practice Questions
Q1
In the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if the concentration of SO3 is decreased?
Shifts equilibrium to the right
Shifts equilibrium to the left
No effect on equilibrium
Increases the rate of the reverse reaction
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if the concentration of SO3 is decreased?
Step 1: Understand that the reaction involves sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxygen (O2), and sulfur trioxide (SO3).
Step 2: Recognize that the reaction can reach a state of balance called equilibrium, where the amounts of reactants and products remain constant.
Step 3: Identify that Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a change is made to a system at equilibrium, the system will adjust to counteract that change.
Step 4: Note that decreasing the concentration of SO3 means there is less SO3 present in the reaction.
Step 5: According to Le Chatelier's Principle, the system will try to increase the concentration of SO3 to restore balance.
Step 6: To produce more SO3, the reaction will shift to the right, which means more SO2 and O2 will react to form SO3.
