Methanol is produced industrially according to CO(g) + 2 H2(g) ⇌ CH3OH(g) ΔH° = −91 kJ
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc) · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc)
Problem
Methanol is produced industrially according to
CO(g) + 2 H2(g) ⇌ CH3OH(g) ΔH° = −91 kJ.
A reactor at equilibrium undergoes the following sequence:
1. The temperature is raised from 500 K to 550 K.
2. After the system reaches its new equilibrium, helium gas is injected at constant volume until the total pressure doubles.
Which of the following correctly predicts the direction in which the equilibrium position shifts in response to each step?
(a) Step 1: shifts toward products; Step 2: shifts toward products.
(b) Step 1: shifts toward reactants; Step 2: no net shift.
(c) Step 1: shifts toward reactants; Step 2: shifts toward products.
(d) Step 1: shifts toward reactants; Step 2: shifts toward reactants.