Question

What would cause the equilibrium to shift left in this reaction?

CO + 3H2 ⇌ CH4 + H2O

A.
adding heat to the product mixture
B.
a faster rate of forward reaction
C.
increased collisions between CO and H2
D.
the escape of water from the mixture
E.
placing the mixture in a cold water bath\

Answer 1

As per Le Chatelier's principle, if the equilibrium of a system is disturbed by changes in temperature, pressure, concentration etc then it will shift in a direction to undo the effect of the induced change.

The given reaction is:

CO + 3H2 ↔ CH4 + H2O

In this case, if the rate of the forward reaction is increased then more of the reactants get converted into products i.e. concentration of reactants decreases. In order to undo this change, the equilibrium will shift in a direction to produce more reactants i.e. to the left.

Ans: B) faster rate of forward reaction