A 2.5 L flask is filled with 0.25 mol SO₃,0.20 mol SO₂,and 0.40 mol O₂,and allowed to reach equilibrium.Assume the temperature of the mixture is chosen so that K_c = 0.12.Predict the effect on the concentration of SO₃ as equilibrium is achieved by using Q,the reaction quotient.
2 SO₃(g) 2 SO₂(g) + O₂(g)

Question

A 2.5 L flask is filled with 0.25 mol SO₃,0.20 mol SO₂,and 0.40 mol O₂,and allowed to reach equilibrium.Assume the temperature of the mixture is chosen so that K_c = 0.12.Predict the effect on the concentration of SO₃ as equilibrium is achieved by using Q,the reaction quotient.
2 SO₃(g)

A 2.5 L flask is filled with 0.25 mol SO<sub>3</sub>,0.20 mol SO<sub>2</sub>,and 0.40 mol O<sub>2</sub>,and allowed to reach equilibrium.Assume the temperature of the mixture is chosen so that K<sub>c</sub> = 0.12.Predict the effect on the concentration of SO<sub>3</sub> as equilibrium is achieved by using Q,the reaction quotient. 2 SO<sub>3</sub>(g) 2 SO<sub>2</sub>(g) + O<sub>2</sub>(g) A) [SO<sub>3</sub>] will decrease because Q > K. B) [SO<sub>3</sub>] will decrease because Q < K. C) [SO<sub>3</sub>] will increase because Q < K. D) [SO<sub>3</sub>] will increase because Q > K. E) [SO<sub>3</sub>] will remain the same because Q = K.

2 SO₂(g) + O₂(g)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can first write the expression for Q, the reaction quotient: Q = ( [SO₂]^2 [O₂] ) / [SO₃]^2 We are given that K = 0.12, but we don't need to use that information for this question. Instead, we can compare Q to K. If Q < K, this means there is a shortage of products compared to what is expected at equilibrium. The reaction will shift right, toward the products, to reach equilibrium. This means the concentration of [SO₃] will decrease. If Q > K, this means there is an excess of products compared to what is expected at equilibrium. The reaction will shift left, toward the reactants, to reach equilibrium. This means the concentration of [SO₃] will increase. Therefore, the correct answer is B, [SO₃] will decrease because Q < K.

A 25 L Flask Is Filled with 0