Chapter 17, Problem 35A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The possibility of favor or disfavor in the production of hydrogen chloride for an exothermic reaction when there is an increase in temperature has to be predicted.

Concept introduction:When there is an increase in the temperature of a system because of the evolution of heat, then the reaction is called as exothermic reaction. In simple words, the reaction, which produces heat as a product is called as exothermic reaction.

Synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen is an example of exothermic reaction.

  $N_2\left(g\right)+3H_2\left(g\right)\rightleftharpoons 2N{H}_3\left(g\right)+92kJ$

Answer to Problem 35A

There would be disfavor in the production of hydrogen chloride when there is an increase in the temperature.

Explanation of Solution

The given reaction is,

  $H_2\left(g\right)+C{l}_2\left(g\right)\rightleftharpoons 2HCl\left(g\right)$

The production of hydrogen chloride from hydrogen and chlorine is an exothermic reaction. The reaction, which produces heat as a product is called as exothermic reaction.

Based on the prediction by Le Chatelier’s principle when energy is added to the system at equilibrium by heating, the shift would happen in the direction, which consumes energy that is to the left side of the reaction (the reactant side).

For an exothermic reaction, increase in temperature would shift the equilibrium towards left side that is towards the reactant side (more reactant would be left at equilibrium). Therefore, an increase in temperature would disfavor the production of hydrogen chloride.

Conclusion

There would be disfavor in the production of hydrogen chloride when there is an increase in the temperature for an exothermic reaction.