Answer to Question #186823 in Organic Chemistry for Eudoxia

Question

CO (g) + H2 (g)C (s) + H2O (g) ∆H = -131 kJ.mol-1

Explain how and why the equilibrium position and the concentration of H2 would change if:

a) more carbon is added.

b) the concentration of CO is increased.

c) the pressure inside the container is increased.

d) the temperature is lowered.

Answer 1

According to Le Chatelier's principle, adding additional reactant to a system will shift the equilibrium to the right, towards the side of the products. By the same logic, reducing the concentration of any product will also shift equilibrium to the right. The converse is also true.