Chapter 14, Problem 14.130QP

Sulfur dioxide reacts with oxygen to produce sulfur trioxide in the presence of a catalyst:

${\text{2SO}}_2(g)+{\text{O}}_2(g)\stackrel{}{\rightleftharpoons }2{\text{SO}}_3(g)$

In an experiment carried out at 727°C, the partial pressures of SO₂ and O₂ at equilibrium were found to be 0.721 atm and 0.581 atm, respectively, with a total pressure of 2.325 atm. What is the value of K_p for this reaction at this temperature? What would be the effect of an increase in pressure on the amount of SO₃ produced? What would be the effect of an increase in temperature on the amount of SO₃ produced? (Use relevant data from Appendix C.) Explain your answers.