Question

Using the equation 4HCl + O₂ ↔ 2Cl₂ + 2H₂O + 20 kJ, if HCl is added, how does the equilibrium shift?

A) To the right
B) To the left
C) No shift in equilibrium
D) Indeterminate shift

Answer 1

Adding HCl to the equilibrium mixture shifts the chemical equilibrium to the right, leading to the formation of more products.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation provided is a representation of a chemical equilibrium reaction. According to Le Chatelier's principle, if a reactant (like HCl in this case) is added to an equilibrium mixture, the equilibrium will shift to counteract the change and re-establish equilibrium. In this scenario, adding HCl increases the concentration of a reactant, which shifts the equilibrium to the right, towards the formation of products, to reduce the increased concentration of HCl.