A gaseous system at constant temperature is represented by the reversible reaction
A₂(g) ⇌ 2 A(g)
Three identical sealed containers (I, II, and III) are depicted at equilibrium using particulate representations. The volumes and total numbers of particles in each container are the same.
• Container I: 8 diatomic A₂ molecules and 2 monatomic A particles.
• Container II: 4 diatomic A₂ molecules and 12 monatomic A particles.
• Container III: 1 diatomic A₂ molecule and 18 monatomic A particles.
Answer the following.
(a) Rank the three containers in order of increasing extent of the forward reaction (least product formation to greatest product formation).
(b) Explain your ranking by explicitly referring to the numerical ratio of product to reactant particles in each container.