Question

State the effect of the following on the reaction

\[\ce{2SO2_{(g)} + O2_{(g)} ⇌ 2SO3_{(g)} + 189.4}\]kJ at equilibrium:

(i) Temperature is increased.
(ii) The concentration of SO₂ is increased.
(iii) The pressure is decreased.
(iv) Helium is added at constant pressure.

Answer 1

(i)

As a balanced reaction is endothermic, equilibrium will shift in a backward direction with an increase in temperature.
(ii)

Increase in conc, of reactants, shift the equilibrium in the forward direction, therefore, upon increasing conc. of SO₂ equilibrium will shift in the forward direction or more of SO₃ will be formed.
(iii)

As backward reaction proceeds with the increase in the number of moles, the backward reaction will be favoured.
(iv)

The backward reaction will be favoured.