Question

Suppose the reaction system

2NO(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2NO2(g)
has already reached equilibrium. Predict the effect of each of the following changes on the position of the equilibrium. Tell whether the equilibrium will shift to the right, will shift to the left, or will not be affected.
a. Additional oxygen is injected into the system.
b. NO2 is removed from the reaction vessel.
c. 1.0 mole of helium is injected into the system.

Answer 1

Additional oxygen will shift the equilibrium to the right, removing NO2 will shift it to the left, and injecting helium will have no effect on the equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

To predict the effect of each change on the position of the equilibrium:

a. Additional oxygen is injected: The equilibrium will shift to the right. This is because the reaction consumes O2 to produce NO2, so adding more O2 will drive the reaction forward to produce more NO2.

b. NO2 is removed: The equilibrium will shift to the left. This is because removing NO2 will decrease the product concentration, causing the system to shift in the direction that produces more NO2.

c. 1.0 mole of helium is injected: The equilibrium will not be affected. This is because helium is an inert gas and does not participate in the reaction.