NEETChemistryChemical Equilibrium
Consider the exothermic oxidation of sulfur dioxide at equilibrium: 2 SO ₂( g ) + O ₂( g ) 2 SO ₃( g ) + Heat Which of the following actions will decrease the equilibrium yield of SO ₃ ?
Options
- ADecreasing the temperature
- BIncreasing the pressure
- CAdding an inert gas at constant volume
- DAdding an inert gas at constant pressure
Correct answer
D. Adding an inert gas at constant pressure
Step-by-step solution
The given reaction is exothermic. According to Le Chatelier's principle, decreasing the temperature will shift the equilibrium in the forward direction, increasing the yield of SO ₃ . The number of gaseous moles on the reactant side is 2 + 1 = 3 , and on the product side is 2 . Since n_g = 2 - 3 = -1 , increasing the pressure will shift the equilibrium towards the side with fewer gaseous moles (forward direction), increasing the yield of SO ₃ . Adding an inert gas at constant volume does not change the partial pres