Question

4 HCl(g) + O2(g) <--> Cl2(g) + 2 H2O(g) + heat Which of the following changes would cause the reaction to shift to the left?

Answer 1

The changes that cause the reaction to shift to the left are the removal of Cl2 and the removal of O2.

To determine the effect of each change on the given reaction
`\(4 \text{HCl(g)} + \text{O}_2(g) \rightleftharpoons \text{Cl}_2(g) + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O(g)} + \text{heat},\)` we can use Le Chatelier's Principle.

1. Addition of a Catalyst:

- A catalyst affects the rate of reaction but doesn't change the position of the equilibrium. It doesn't shift the equilibrium to the left or right. Therefore, this change doesn't cause the reaction to shift to the left.

2. Removal of Cl2:

- If Cl2 is removed, according to Le Chatelier's Principle, the system will shift to the left to counteract the change. So, the removal of Cl2 causes the reaction to shift to the left.

3. Removal of Water:

- If water is removed, the system will shift to the left to replace what was removed. So, the removal of water causes the reaction to shift to the left.

4. Removal of O2:

- If O2 is removed, the system will shift to the left to replace what was removed. So, the removal of O2 causes the reaction to shift to the left.

In summary, the changes that cause the reaction to shift to the left are the removal of Cl2 and the removal of O2.

The probable question may be:

Consider the following reaction: 4 HCl(g) + O2(g) <--> Cl2(g) + 2 H2O(g) + heat Which of the following changes would cause the reaction to shift to the left?

addition of a catalyst

removal of Cl2

removal of water

removal of O2