Consider the reaction 2 SO2 (g) + O2 (g) 2 SO3 (g), which is exothermic as written. What would be the effect on the equilibrium position of removing O2 (g) ?

Question

Chemistry

Heidi Riggs

30 December, 20:57

Consider the reaction 2 SO2 (g) + O2 (g) 2 SO3 (g), which is exothermic as written. What would be the effect on the equilibrium position of removing O2 (g) ?

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Answers (1)

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Karen Oconnor · Answer 1

Removing O₂, means removing one of the reactants and the system would counteract this effect by producing more O₂, thereby shifting the equilibrium position to the left and favouring the backward reaction.

Explanation:

The principle that explains how changes in temperature, Concentration and Pressure of reactants or products of a reaction at equilibrium affect the equilibrium position of the reaction is the Le Chatelier's principle.

The Principle explains that a system/process if a system/process which is at equilibrium is disturbed/perturbed/constrained by one or more changes (in concentration, pressure or temperature), the system would shift the equilibrium position to counteract the effects of this change.

Removing O₂, means removing one of the reactants (changing its concentration) and the system would counteract this effect by producing more O₂, thereby shifting the equilibrium position to the left and favouring the backward reaction.