Consider the gaseous equilibrium at constant temperature: A(g) + 2 B(g) ⇌ 3 C(g)…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc) · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc)
Problem
Consider the gaseous equilibrium at constant temperature:
A(g) + 2 B(g) ⇌ 3 C(g)
Initially at equilibrium the partial pressures are PA=0.40atm, PB=0.60atm, and PC=0.20atm. Some B is rapidly withdrawn, lowering PB to 0.30atm while PA and PC are momentarily unchanged. Which statement is most consistent with the state of the system immediately after the withdrawal?
(a) Q<K and the forward reaction rate exceeds the reverse, so the system shifts to the right.
(b) Q>K and the reverse reaction rate exceeds the forward, so the system shifts to the left.
(c) Q>K but the system will shift to the right to replenish the removed B.
(d) Q=K so the system remains at equilibrium with no net shift.