Question

What would happen if CH4 was removed from the following reaction that has reached equilibrium? CO (g) + 3H2 (g) Two arrows stacked on top of each other. The top arrow points to the right. The bottom arrow points to the left. CH4 (g) + H2O (g)

Answer 1

The equilibrium will shift to the right, towards the products

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Le Chatelier's principle, when a reaction at equilibrium is subjected to changes in pressure, temperature, concentration etc then the equilibrium will shift in a direction to undo the effect of the induced change.

The given reaction is:

CO(g) + 3H2(g) ↔ CH4(g) + H2O(g)

If CH4 were removed from the reaction, then the equilibrium will shift in a direction to facilitate the production of more CH4 i.e. it shift to the right, favoring the products.

Answer 2

When you remove CH4 to a reaction that reaches equilibrium The Top arrow point to the right.This is because CH4 is in the product side and by removing it the number of moles in the product is lowered thus favoring the forward reaction