Question

Product the shift in equilibrium when the volume is decreased on the following equilibrium reactions:

(ii) ${\mathrm{N}}_2(\mathrm{g})+{\mathrm{O}}_2(\mathrm{g})\rightleftarrows 2\mathrm{NO}\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$

Answer 1

1. According to Le Chatelier's principle if a system in equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, pressure or temperature, the equilibrium shifts in the direction that tends to reduce the effect of the change.
2. When there is a decrease in volume, the pressure of the system increases, thus the equilibrium will shift to the direction which gives fewer moles of gas to counteract the increase in pressure.
3. But here for the given reaction both the right and left-hand sides of the reaction have an equal number of moles of gases.
4. Hence there is no change in the equilibrium reaction by decreasing the volume.