Question

How will each reaction shift in response to a decrease in volume?

Part A: 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g) ⇌ 2 Fe₂O₃(s)
Question: Blank 1 of 2, choose your answer...
a) Shift left
b) No change
c) Shift right
d) Insufficient information

Answer 1

In the chemical equilibrium 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g) ⇌ 2 Fe₂O₃(s), there will be no shift in response to a decrease in volume because the solid products do not contribute to the gas pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question you asked is about how the equilibrium of the reaction 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g) ⇌ 2 Fe₂O₃(s) will shift in response to a decrease in volume. According to Le Chatelier's Principle, if the volume of a system at equilibrium decreases, the equilibrium will shift to the side with fewer moles of gas to counteract the pressure increase. In this reaction, we start with 3 moles of gas (O₂) on the reactant side, and there are no gaseous products. Therefore, a decrease in volume will not create a shift towards fewer moles of gas because the solid product form does not affect pressure. The answer is (b) No change.

Answer 2

In response to a decrease in volume, the reaction 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g) ⇌ 2 Fe₂O₃(s) will shift to the right (Choice c) due to the decrease in gas moles, according to Le Chatelier's Principle.

The Correct answer is C) Shift right.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering how a reaction will shift in response to a decrease in volume, Le Chatelier's Principle suggests that the equilibrium of a reaction will adjust to minimize the stress of volume change.

For the reaction 4 Fe(s) + 3 O₂(g) ⇌ 2 Fe₂O₃(s), decreasing the volume would increase the pressure inside the system.

Since there are more moles of gas on the reactant side (3 moles of O₂) compared to the product side (zero moles of gas, as Fe₂O₃ is a solid), the equilibrium will shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas to reduce pressure.

Consequently, this reaction will shift to the right (Choice c) in response to a decrease in volume.

The Correct answer is C) Shift right.