Which of the changes listed will shift the equilibrium to the left for the following reversible reaction? CH₄(g)+ H₂O(g)+ heat CO(g)+ 3 H₂(g)

Question

Which of the changes listed will shift the equilibrium to the left for the following reversible reaction? CH₄(g)+ H₂O(g)+ heat  CO(g)+ 3 H₂(g)

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 helps alleviate that stress. In this case, the heat in the reactants side means that the reaction is exothermic. Therefore, decreasing the temperature will shift the equilibrium to the left to produce more reactants and less products, in order to counteract the stress of decreased temperature. A, B, and D would all shift the equilibrium to the right, producing more products. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Which of the Changes Listed Will Shift the Equilibrium to the Left