Question

When each of the following equilibria is disturbed by increasing the pressure as a result of decreasing the volume, does the number of moles of reaction products increase, decrease, or remain the same? Part A 2CO2(g)⇌2CO(g)+O2(g)

Answer 1

Answer: The moles of products will decrease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Any change in the equilibrium is studied on the basis of Le-Chatelier's principle. This principle states that if there is any change in the variables of the reaction, the equilibrium will shift in the direction to minimize the effect.

For the given equation:

`2CO_2(g)\rightleftharpoons 2CO(g)+O_2(g)`

If the pressure is increased by decreasing the volume. Now, according to the Le-Chatlier's principle, the equilibrium will shift in the direction where decrease in pressure is taking place. As the number of moles of gas molecules is lesser at the reactant side. So, the equilibrium will shift in the left direction. i.e. towards reactants and thus reactants will increase and products will decraese.

Thus the moles of products will decrease.