Chapter 12, Problem 20Q

Interpretation Introduction

Concept introduction:

1. a. When a reactant is added to a system at equilibrium at a given temperature, the reaction will shift right to reestablish equilibrium.

   The given statement is true.

   The equilibrium will shift towards the side where the reactant added can be consumed in order to reestablish equilibrium, that is, it shifts towards the right.

1. b. When a product is added to a system at equilibrium at a given temperature, the value of $K$ for the reaction will increase when equilibrium is reestablished.

   The given statement is false.

   The equilibrium will shift towards the side where the product added can be consumed in order to reestablish equilibrium, that is, it shifts towards the left.

1. c. When the temperature is increased for a reaction at equilibrium, the value of $K$ for the reaction will increase.

   The given statement is false.

   The value of $K$ will increase with the increase in temperature if the reaction is endothermic, whereas for an exothermic reaction, the value of $K$ decreases with the increase in temperature.

1. d. When the volume of a reaction container is increased for a system at equilibrium at a given temperature, the reaction will shift left to reestablish equilibrium.

   The given statement is false.

   If the volume of the container is increased, the equilibrium is obtained by the system by increasing the number of molecules present.

1. e. Addition of a catalyst (a substance that increases the speed of the reaction) has no effect on the equilibrium position.

   The given statement is true.

   The addition of a catalyst does not affect the relative rate of the forward and the backward reaction.