Question

Consider the following reaction at equilibrium: C(s)+H2O(g)⇌CO(g)+H2(g) Predict whether the reaction will shift left, shift right, or remain unchanged upon each of the following disturbances. a) C is added to the reaction mixture. b) H2Ois condensed and removed from the reaction mixture c) CO is added to the reaction mixture d) H2 is removed from the reaction mixture.

Answer 1

'Answer:

a) C is added to the reaction mixture.      "shift right"

b) H₂O is condensed and removed from the reaction mixture.    "shift left"

c) CO is added to the reaction mixture.        "shift left"

d) H₂ is removed from the reaction mixture.      "shift right"

Explanation:

• Le Châtelier's principle states that when there is an dynamic equilibrium, and this equilibrium is disturbed by an external factor, the equilibrium will be shifted in the direction that can cancel the effect of the external factor to reattain the equilibrium.

a) C is added to the reaction mixture:

Adding C(s) will increase the concentration of the reactants side, so the reaction will be shifted to the right side to suppress the increase in the concentration of C by addition.

So, the reaction shift right.

b) H₂O is condensed and removed from the reaction mixture:

Removing H₂O will decrease the concentration of the reactants side, so the reaction will be shifted to the left side to suppress the decrease in the concentration of H₂O by removal.

So, the reaction shift left.

c) CO is added to the reaction mixture:

Adding CO will increase the concentration of the products side, so the reaction will be shifted to the left side to suppress the increase in the concentration of CO by addition.

So, the reaction shift left.

d) H₂ is removed from the reaction mixture:

Removing H₂ will decrease the concentration of the products side, so the reaction will be shifted to the right side to suppress the increase in the concentration of H₂ by removal.

So, the reaction shift right.