Question

Consider the following equilibrium system:

CH4 + H2O +energy ⇌CO + 3H2
In which of the following combinations will both stresses shift the equilibrium to the right? explain.
A) A decrease in temperature and a decrease in volume
B) A decrease in temperature and a increase in volume
C) An increase in temperature and a decrease in volume
D) An increase in temperature and an increase in volume

Answer 1

Answer:D. an increase in temperature and an increase in volume

Explanation: Heat is a reaction, so if you increase the temperature of the system, you increase the amount of reactants. Thus, higher temperature would push equilibrium toward the products, the right. The products, however, have 4 molecules in comparison to the reactants’ 2, and so you have to increase the volume to push equilibrium that way as well.