Nitrogen dioxide can dissociate to nitric oxide and oxygen. Under which reaction conditions would you expect to produce the largest amount of oxygen?

Question

Nitrogen dioxide can dissociate to nitric oxide and oxygen.  Under which reaction conditions would you expect to produce the largest amount of oxygen?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing temperature favors the endothermic reaction, and in this case, it would favor the dissociation of nitrogen dioxide. However, increasing pressure favors the side of the equilibrium with fewer gas molecules, which would be the reactant side. Therefore, the best conditions for producing the largest amount of oxygen would be high temperature but low pressure.

Nitrogen Dioxide Can Dissociate to Nitric Oxide and Oxygen