Chapter 18, Problem 34E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The direction of equilibrium in ${\text{2SO}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)+{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)\rightleftharpoons {\text{2SO}}_3\left(\text{g}\right)$ reaction is to be predicted if the volume of the equilibrium system is suddenly increased. The effect on the number of moles of oxygen is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

A reaction is said to be in equilibrium if the rate at which the forward reaction takes place becomes equal to the rate at which the backward reaction takes place. If any of the factors that affect the equilibrium changes, then the reaction shifts in either forward or backward direction so that the equilibrium condition is reestablished.