Question

For each event stated below, indicate how the concentration of each species in the chemical equation will then change to reach equilibrium.

2CO(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2CO2(g)

a. increasing the concentration of CO
b. decreasing the amount of O2
c. decreasing the the volume of the system

Answer 1

See Explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

When a constraint such as a change in temperature, concentration or pressure is imposed on a reaction system in equilibrium, the system will readjust itself in such a way as to annul the constraint. This readjustment occurs when the equilibrium position shifts towards the left or right in order to annul the constraint.

a. increasing the concentration of CO: When the concentration of CO is increased, the equilibrium position shifts to the right in order to annul the constraint. This means that more CO2 is produced in the system while the concentration of CO and O2 are decreased until equilibrium is reestablished.

b. decreasing the amount of O2: When the amount of O2 is decreased, the equilibrium position will shift to the left and more CO and O2 are produced while the concentration of CO2 decreases until equilibrium is reestablished.

c. decreasing the the volume of the system: When the volume of the system is decreased, the equilibrium position shifts towards the right hand side where there is less total volume. Hence the concentration of CO and O2 decreases while the concentration of CO2 increases.