Question

TYPED RESPONSE ONLY WITH AT LEAST 1 REFERENCE:

List four factors that can shift the position of an equilibrium. Only one of these factors can alter the value of the equilibrium constant. Which one is it?

Answer 1

Reference equation:-

N2 + 3H2 -> 2NH3 + 96.3 KJ

Thefollowingare the factors:-

1. Change in concentration:- If the concentration of the reactant increases, it leads to shift in forward reaction while if the concentration of the reactant decreases, it leads to shift in backward reaction. In this case ,on increasing the concentration of nitrogen it shifts in forward direction while increase in concentration of ammonia leads to backward reaction.

2.Temperature:- Reactions can proceed with either absorption of energy or release of energy. Since it is an exothermic reaction , the rate decreases with decrease in temperature.

3 Change in pressure:- Change in pressure also leads to changes in equilibrium position. If the pressure increases it will move to that side that has less number of gaseous moles. In the above reaction it will move towards right side on increasing the pressure.

4. Addition of inert gas:- On addition of inert gases at constant pressure ,the number of moles per unit volume will decrease hence the equilibrium will shift in the direction having more number of moles. In this case it will move backwards.

Change in temperature is the only factor that has an effect on the value of equilibrium constant.