For the following gas-aqueous liquid equilibrium for a closed system at a constant temperature, O₂(g) $\leftrightarrows$O₂(aq) What is the effect on the equilibrium composition of the liquid when the $\underline{\text{ partial pressure }}$ of O₂ gas above the liquid is decreased? A) The amount of O₂ dissolved in the liquid decreases. B) The amount of O₂ dissolved in the liquid increases. C) The amount of O₂ dissolved in the liquid does not change. D) Not enough information is provided to answer the question. E) Either A or B is possible.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Le Chatelier's principle, when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will shift in the direction that reduces the stress. In this case, decreasing the partial pressure of the gas O₂ above the liquid is a stress on the system. To reduce this stress, the equilibrium will shift in the direction that produces more O₂ gas. This means that some of the dissolved O₂ in the liquid will come out of solution and into the gas phase, resulting in a decrease in the amount of O₂ dissolved in the liquid. Therefore, the correct choice is A.

For the Following Gas-Aqueous Liquid Equilibrium for a Closed System ⇆\leftrightarrows⇆

For the Following Gas-Aqueous Liquid Equilibrium for a Closed System $\leftrightarrows$