Question

What would be the effect of increasing the volume on each of the following reactions at equilibrium (shift left, shift right, or no change)?

A) 2CO (g) + O₂ (g) <-----> 2CO₂ (g)

B) N₂O₄ (g) <-----> 2NO₂ (g)

Answer 1

A)

Increasing volume will decrease the pressure which in turn shift the reaction in a direction which have greater gaseous molecules as per Le chatelier Principle

Here reactant has more gaseous molecule

So equilibrium will move to left

So, Equilibrium moves to reactant side

Answer: shift left

B)

Increasing volume will decrease the pressure which in turn shift the reaction in a direction which have greater gaseous molecules as per Le chatelier Principle

Here product has more gaseous molecule

So equilibrium will move to right

So, Equilibrium moves to product side

Answer: shift right