Question

#1 For reach of the example systems given below, describe the result of the given change and provide an explanation for that result.

a) System: CO2 (g) +H2(g)

Answer 1

These questions can be answered using the Le Chatelier's principle, which states that a system at equilibrium, when subjected to external changes such as change in pressure, concentration, temperature, etc, adjust itself to estabilish new equilibrium to accommodate the external changes.

a) If water is removed by absorption, then this system produces more CO and H2O or the equilibrium shifts towards right hand side.

b) Since N2 gas is inert in this reaction, adding it to the reaction system does not affect the equilibrium. (The partial pressure of the reactants and products remain the same)

c) If this reaction is carried out in an open container, then the HCl gas flows out of the container, and hence the equilibrium shift towards the right hand side, producing more HCl gas and NaLi liquid.

d) Adding a catalyst may speed up a reaction, however it does not shift the equilibrium. It may aid in reaching the equilibrium faster, as it increases both the forward and reverse reaction rate simultaneously.