In which of these gas-phase equilibria is the yield of products increased by increasing the total pressure on the reaction mixture?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing the total pressure of a gas-phase equilibrium favors the side of the reaction with fewer moles of gas. In option B, there are 3 moles of gas on the left-hand side and 2 moles of gas on the right-hand side, meaning an increase in pressure will favor the formation of products. In the other options, either the number of moles of gas is equal on both sides of the reaction or there are more moles of gas on the product side, meaning an increase in pressure would not favor the formation of products.

In Which of These Gas-Phase Equilibria Is the Yield of Products