In the following reaction, what is the effect on the direction of the reaction if more SO3 is added to the reaction mixture?

2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) ⇌ 2SO3 (g)

the position of the equilibrium remains unchanged

The equilibrium shifts to produce more products

The rate of formation of products is increased

the equilibrium shifts to produce more reactants

The equilibrium shifts to produce more reactants.

Explanation:

According to the Le - Chatelier principle,

At equilibrium state when stress is applied to the system, the system will behave in such a way to nullify the stress.

The equilibrium can be disturb,

By changing the concentration

By changing the volume

By changing the pressure

By changing the temperature

Consider the following chemical reaction.

Chemical reaction:

2SO₂ + O₂ ⇄ 2SO₃

In this reaction the equilibrium is disturb by increasing the concentration of Product.

When the concentration of product is increased the system will proceed in backward direction in order to regain the equilibrium. Because when product concentration is high it means reaction is not on equilibrium state. As the concentration of SO₃ increased the reaction proceed in backward direction to regain the equilibrium state and more reactant is formed.