Chapter 18, Problem 3PE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The direction in which the equilibrium will shift if the volume of the container is decreased for the reaction ${\text{CH}}_3\text{OH}\left(\text{g}\right)\rightleftharpoons \text{CO}\left(\text{g}\right)+2{\text{H}}_2\left(\text{g}\right)$ is to be stated.

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.