Question

When an inert gas is added to the given reversible process then the equilibrium:

• A. be unaffected
• B. shift in backward direction
• C. shift in forward direction
• D. cannot be predicted

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

cannot be predicted

(i) The addition of an inert gas at constant volume. In this case the total pressure will increase. But the concentrations of the products & reactants will not change. Hence, there will be no effect on the equilibrium.

(ii) Addition of an inert gas at constant pressure. In this case, the total volume will increase. Hence, number of moles per unit volume will decrease. Hence, the equilibrium will shift towards the direction in which there is increase in number of moles of gases.

Hence, it can't be predicted unless the condition is mentioned.