Math Problem Statement

Solve this step by step: An equation representing an exothermic equilibrium reaction is shown below.

N2(g)+3H2(g)2NH3(g)

4 Which of the following changes will occur to the system shown above immediately after H2(g) is added to the system at a constant volume?

The concentration of NH3(g) will decrease.

The concentration of N2(g) will increase.

Heat energy will be produced.

H2(g) is a catalyst and will not affect the equilibrium concentrations.

  1. If the total pressure of the system is decreased, the equilibrium will shift to the i and the value of the equilibrium constant will

The statement above is best completed by the answers in row:

Row

i

ii

right

stay the same

left

stay the same

right

decrease

left

decrease

Solution

To analyze the given equilibrium reaction and understand the effect of changes on the system, let's proceed step-by-step:

Reaction:

N2(g)+3H2(g)2NH3(g)\text{N}_2(g) + 3\text{H}_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2\text{NH}_3(g)

Question 4: Effects of Adding H₂(g)

When additional H₂(g) is added to the system at constant volume, we need to determine how the system will respond. This response is governed by Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that the system will adjust to counteract the change.

  1. Increase in H2\text{H}_2 Concentration: Adding H2\text{H}_2 will initially increase the concentration of H2\text{H}_2.

  2. Shift in Equilibrium: To counteract the increase in H2\text{H}_2 concentration, the equilibrium will shift to the right (towards the formation of more NH3\text{NH}_3).

  3. Effect on Concentrations:

    • The concentration of NH3\text{NH}_3 will increase as more NH3\text{NH}_3 is formed.
    • The concentration of N2\text{N}_2 will decrease as it reacts with the added H2\text{H}_2.
  4. Heat Production: Since the reaction is exothermic (produces heat), shifting the equilibrium to the right will release heat energy.

  5. Catalyst Effect: H2\text{H}_2 is not a catalyst; it is a reactant. A catalyst would speed up both the forward and reverse reactions without affecting equilibrium concentrations.

Conclusion for Question 4:

Correct Answer: Heat energy will be produced.

Question 5: Effect of Decreasing Total Pressure

When the total pressure of the system is decreased, the system will again respond according to Le Chatelier's Principle:

  1. Effect of Pressure Decrease: Decreasing the pressure will cause the system to shift toward the side with more gas molecules to increase pressure.

  2. Number of Gas Molecules:

    • Left side (reactants): 1 molecule of N2\text{N}_2 + 3 molecules of H2\text{H}_2 = 4 molecules
    • Right side (products): 2 molecules of NH3\text{NH}_3
  3. Shift in Equilibrium: To counteract the decrease in pressure, the equilibrium will shift to the left, where there are more gas molecules (4 on the left vs. 2 on the right).

  4. Effect on Equilibrium Constant: The equilibrium constant (KK) depends only on temperature. A change in pressure does not affect KK for reactions involving gases.

Conclusion for Question 5:

Correct Answer: The equilibrium will shift to the left, and the value of the equilibrium constant will stay the same.

Summary:

  1. Immediate effect after adding H2(g)\text{H}_2(g): Heat energy will be produced.
  2. Effect of decreasing total pressure: The equilibrium will shift to the left, and the value of the equilibrium constant will stay the same.

Additional Questions for Further Understanding:

  1. What is Le Chatelier's Principle and how does it apply to chemical equilibria?
  2. How does temperature affect the position of equilibrium in an exothermic reaction?
  3. What are the different factors that can affect the equilibrium constant KK?
  4. How does the presence of a catalyst affect the rate of reaction and equilibrium?
  5. What is the significance of the equilibrium constant KK in chemical reactions?

Tip:

When dealing with equilibrium problems, always consider how changes in concentration, pressure, and temperature will affect the system according to Le Chatelier's Principle.