Question

What stress will shift the following equilibrium system to the left? 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ⇌ 2SO3(g); ΔH= –98.8 kJ/mol

Answer 1

Answer:

The stress that will shift the equilibrium system to the right is decreasing the temperature

Explanation:

Chemical equilibrium

This is a state where there is no observable changes in the properties of the system with time.

From the above, a French scientist establishes a principle which states that when an external constraints such as change in temperature, pressure and concentration is imposed on a system in equilibrium, the equilibrium will shift to neutralise the effect.

Furthermore, the principle explained that:

An increase in temperature of an exothermic reaction (i.e ΔH= –ve) will shift the equilibrium backward.

A decrease in temperature of an exothermic reaction (i.e ΔH= –ve) will shift the equilibrium forward.

An increase in temperature of an endothermic reaction (i.e ΔH= +ve) will shift the equilibrium forward.

A decrease in temperature of an exothermic reaction (i.e ΔH= +ve) will shift the equilibrium back.

How to determine which stress that will shift the equilibrium forward (right)

2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g); ΔH= –98.8 KJ/mol

From the equation above, we can see that the reaction is exothermic reaction (i.e ΔH= –ve).

Therefore, decreasing the temperature will shift the equilibrium to the right.