Question

Ammonia equilibrium N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) <-> 2 NH3 (g) is at equilibrium when additional nitrogen is added under specific conditions, where T and P held constant, further dissociation of ammonia occurs

A) Explain why.

B) What conditions are needed?

C) Why would adding more H2 produce the same result?

This is Physical Chemistry homework. Thank you!

Answer 1

Answer -

First, we discuss the basic principle behind it.

Le Chatelier’s principle - a principle stating that if a constraint (such as a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration of a reactant) is applied to a system in equilibrium, the equilibrium will shift so as to tend to counteract the effect of the constraint.

N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) ⇔ 2 NH3 (g)

A) When additional reactant is added, the equilibrium shifts to reduce this stress: it makes more product.

B) There must be sufficient H2 in the reactor to react with nitrogen.

C) Hydrogen is also a reactant. When additional reactant is added, the equilibrium shifts to reduce this stress: it makes more product.