Question

The reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) <--> 2SO3(g) is exothermic. What will happen to the concentration of sulfur dioxide if the temperature of the system is increased?

A: Temperature does not influence equilibrium.
B: The amount of sulfur dioxide decreases.
C: The amount of sulfur dioxide increases.
D: The amount of sulfur dioxide stays the same.

Answer 1

Answer: Oh, just found the question, the answer to your question is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Le Chatelier's principle, if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in temperature, pressure or concentration, the system will adjust its position of equilibrium to counteract the change.

In the given exothermic reaction, the forward reaction (2SO2(g) + O2(g) --> 2SO3(g)) releases heat, meaning that it is favored at lower temperatures. Therefore, increasing the temperature will shift the equilibrium position to the left (towards the reactants), in order to counteract the increase in temperature.

So, if the temperature of the system is increased, the concentration of sulfur dioxide will decrease.

The answer is B: The amount of sulfur dioxide decreases.