Question

Consider the reaction: 2NO + O2 → 2NO2. Which would increase the partial pressure of NO2 at equilibrium?

a) Increasing NO
b) Increasing O2
c) Increasing NO2
d) Increasing temperature

Answer 1

Increasing the temperature of the system will increase the partial pressure of NO2 at equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

Increasing the temperature of the system will increase the partial pressure of NO2 at equilibrium. In the given reaction, 2NO + O2 → 2NO2, the forward reaction is exothermic, which means it releases heat. According to Le Chatelier's Principle, increasing the temperature will shift the equilibrium position in the direction that absorbs heat, which is the forward reaction in this case. This will result in an increase in the concentration and partial pressure of NO2 at equilibrium.