Question

The volume of a closed reaction vessel in which the following equilibrium reaction occurs is halved: \[ 2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g) \] \text{As a result,}

• A. The rates of forward and backward reactions will remain the same.
• B. The equilibrium will not shift.
• C. The equilibrium will shift to the right.
• D. The rate of forward reaction will become double that of reverse reaction and the equilibrium will shift to the right.

Hint:

Le Chatelier's principle states that a system at equilibrium will shift to counteract any change, such as changes in volume or temperature.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

For a reaction involving gases, according to Le Chatelier’s principle, reducing the volume shifts the equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas. In this case, the right side has fewer moles of gas, so the equilibrium shifts to the right.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The equilibrium will shift to the right.}} \]