A reaction takes place in a sealed rigid container according to the balanced equation
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Kinetics · Kinetics
Problem
A reaction takes place in a sealed rigid container according to the balanced equation
2NO(g)+O2(g)→2NO2(g).
After the reactants are introduced, the container is immediately pressurized with an inert gas so that the total pressure doubles while the temperature remains constant.
What is the most likely effect of the added inert gas on the initial rate of formation of NO2?
(a) The rate approximately doubles, because the total pressure—and therefore the collision frequency—doubles.
(b) The rate increases, because the addition of inert gas shifts the equilibrium toward products, accelerating the forward reaction.
(c) No significant change, because the partial pressures of the reacting gases remain the same.
(d) The rate decreases, because the added gas reduces the concentrations of NO and O2.