Chapter U4.24, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The explanation for creating the maximum amount of the product from the reaction should be given.

Concept Introduction:

A chemical reaction in which the number of elements on both the reactant and product side is equal and the charge is also equal is known as balanced chemical equation.

Explanation of Solution

The chemical equation for formation of sulfur trioxide is represented as follows:

  ${\text{2SO}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)+{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)\rightleftharpoons {\text{2SO}}_{\text{3}}\left(\text{g}\right)$

If the concentration of SO₃ is increased then according to Le-chatlier principle the reaction will shift in that direction where the concentration of SO₃ is decreased. That means the reaction will shift in left direction and the product formation will be decreased.

If the temperature is increased then the system will shift in that direction where the temperature is decreased. As the forward reaction is exothermic thus, the reaction will shift in left as the temperature is increased to counteract the effect of process of raising the temperature to achieve equilibrium.

If the concentration of O₂ is decreased then the reaction will shift in that direction where the concentration of oxygen is increased to maintain the equilibrium that means the reaction will move in left direction. Thus, in order to increase the amount of product formation the concentration of oxygen gas should be increased.