Question

For a reversible system, when the pressure of the reacting system in equilibrium is increased then

• A. the reaction shifts in the direction of more number of molecules.
• B. the reaction shifts in the direction of a lesser number of molecules.
• C. the reacting system will remain in equilibrium.
• D. there is no effect of pressure on the reacting species.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

the reaction shifts in the direction of a lesser number of molecules.

Pressure is one of the factors which affects the chemical equilibrium of the reversible system. If the pressure of the reacting species is increased then as per Le Chatelier's principle, equilibrium shifts to reduce the pressure. The side of the reaction with a fewer number of gas molecules will be favored. If the pressure of the reacting species is decreased then as per Le Chatelier's principle equilibrium shifts to increase the pressure. The side of the reaction with more number of gas molecules will be favored.