Question

Consider the reaction 2 SO2(g) + O2(g) <=> 2 SO3(g), which is exothermic as written. What would be the effect on the equilibrium position of removing O2(g)?

Answer 1

Answer:

Removing O₂, means removing one of the reactants and the system would counteract this effect by producing more O₂, thereby shifting the equilibrium position to the left and favouring the backward reaction.

Explanation:

The principle that explains how changes in temperature, Concentration and Pressure of reactants or products of a reaction at equilibrium affect the equilibrium position of the reaction is the Le Chatelier's principle.

The Principle explains that a system/process if a system/process which is at equilibrium is disturbed/perturbed/constrained by one or more changes (in concentration, pressure or temperature), the system would shift the equilibrium position to counteract the effects of this change.

Removing O₂, means removing one of the reactants (changing its concentration) and the system would counteract this effect by producing more O₂, thereby shifting the equilibrium position to the left and favouring the backward reaction.