Consider this reaction at equilibrium: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g) , $\Delta$ Hº_rxn = -198 kJ/mol
If the volume of the system is compressed at constant temperature, what change will occur in the position of the equilibrium

Question

Consider this reaction at equilibrium: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g) ,

\Delta

Hº_rxn = -198 kJ/mol
If the volume of the system is compressed at constant temperature, what change will occur in the position of the equilibrium

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Le Chatelier's principle, a system at equilibrium will try to counteract any stress or change placed upon it. In this case, compressing the volume of the system is a stress that will cause the equilibrium to shift in the direction that produces fewer moles of gas (since the volume is decreasing). The reaction that produces the fewest moles of gas is 2SO₃(g). Therefore, the equilibrium will shift to produce more SO₃ and the answer is D.

Consider This Reaction at Equilibrium: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g) Δ\DeltaΔ

Consider This Reaction at Equilibrium: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g) $\Delta$