In: Chemistry
Methanol has the formula of CH3OH and can be produced by the reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen gas.
CO + 2 H2 === CH3OH + heat
Using the above chemical reaction, determine how each of the following actions would affect the equilibrium of the system.
a. heating the mixture
b. adding an excess of carbon monoxide
c. removing the methanol as it is formed
d. adding a substance that reacts with carbon monoxide
a)
Forward reaction is exothermic in nature
we are increasing temperature or adding heat here
so, according to Le Chatelier's principle,
equilibrium will move in direction which absorbs heat
hence, backward reaction will be favoured
Answer: Equilibrium moves to reactant side
b)
we are adding a reactant
According to Le Chatelier's Principle,
Adding reactant will shift reaction towards product side
Answer: Equilibrium moves to product side
c)
we are removing a product
According to Le Chatelier's Principle,
Removing product will shift reaction towards product side
Answer: Equilibrium moves to product side
d)
By adding substance that reacts with CO, we are removing a reactant here.
According to Le Chatelier's Principle,
Removing reactant will shift reaction towards reactant side
Answer: Equilibrium moves to reactant side