Answer to Question #93409 in Physical Chemistry for Kylie

Question

By using the Le Chatelier’s principle, discuss the following factors which may affect the
position of equilibrium. In your explanations, mention any possible change in the value of
K, and whether the amounts of reactants or products increases or decreases depending
whether the equilibrium shits either left or right.
i. An increase of the pressure of a gaseous reaction system.
ii. A decrease in the amount of product.
iii. An increase in the amount of reactants.
iv. The volume of the reaction vessel is decreased.

Answer 1

I. According to Le Chatelier's principle, increase of external pressure shifts the equilibrium in a direction that lowers the pressure. This means that the equilibrium shifts in a direction that forms less number of moles of the gas. 

II. Rate of forward reaction increases with the decrease in the amount of product. 

lll.Rate of forward reaction increases with the increase in the concentration of the reactants.

lV.In general, decreased volume and increased concentration will lead to an increase in both the forward and reverse rates, but it will cause a greater increase in the rate (forward or reverse) whose “reactants” have more moles of gas.