For the equilibrium reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if O2 is re
Practice Questions
Q1
For the equilibrium reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if O2 is removed?
Equilibrium shifts to the right
Equilibrium shifts to the left
No change
Increases the temperature
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
For the equilibrium reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g), what happens if O2 is removed?
Step 1: Identify the reaction: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g).
Step 2: Understand that this reaction is at equilibrium, meaning the forward and reverse reactions are happening at the same rate.
Step 3: Recognize that removing O2 decreases its concentration in the reaction.
Step 4: 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 5: Since O2 is removed, the system will try to increase the concentration of O2 again.
Step 6: To do this, the equilibrium will shift to the left, favoring the production of O2 from SO2 and SO3.
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.
