Question

The reaction, 2 SO3(g) 2 SO2(g) + O2(g) is endothermic. Predict what will happen with following changes. List the shift and state the reason.

a. Temperature increased:

b. Pressure decreased:

c. More O2 was added:

d. V olume decreased:

e. Catalyst was added:

Answer 1

2 SO3(g) = 2 SO2(g) + O2(g) is endothermic reaction

Write the rate of formation of SO3 i.e reverse reaction only

R_SO3 = -R_SO2 = -R_O2 =k [SO2][O2]

Now since the products are in gas state, write the rate equation

R_SO3 = -R_SO2 = -R_O2=k₂ P_SO2²P_O2 / R³T³

Here we can see that, That formation of SO₃ / reverse reaction is directly proportional to partial pressures of SO₂ & O₂ and inversly proportional to temperature.

a. Endothermic reaction will favor in forward direction if you increase the temperature.

b. If pressure is decreased. that means that reaction will favor in forward direction as pressure of O₂ & SO₂ will decarese more than SO₃, so to establish the equilibrium it will go in forrad direction

c. If you add O₂ more then partial pressure of O₂ will increase and formation of SO₃ will be favored

d. If you deacrease the volume which will reduce the volume of all the gases but the partial pressures of the components will be same hence nothing will happen.

e. catalysts are used to favor the reaction in forward direction. Hence if you add catalyst it will enhance rate of formation of SO₂ & O₂