Ionic EquilibriumHardBloom L3
Question
For the gas phase reaction $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{H}_2 \rightleftharpoons \text{C}_2\text{H}_6$ ($\Delta H = -32.7 \text{ kcal}$) carried out in a vessel, the equilibrium concentration of $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4$ can be increased by:
Options
A.Increasing the temperature
B.Decreasing the pressure
C.Removing some $\text{H}_2$
D.Adding some $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4$
Solution
**Given:** $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{H}_2 \rightleftharpoons \text{C}_2\text{H}_6$, $\Delta H = -32.7 \text{ kcal}$ (exothermic)
To increase the equilibrium concentration of $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4$, the equilibrium must shift in the **reverse (left) direction** — except for option D, where direct addition raises concentration.
Using **Le Chatelier's Principle**:
**(A) Increasing temperature:** Since the forward reaction is exothermic, increasing temperature shifts equilibrium to the **left**, increasing $[\text{C}_2\text{H}_4]$. ✓
**(B) Decreasing pressure:** Moles of gas: Left side = 2 ($\text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{H}_2$), Right side = 1 ($\text{C}_2\text{H}_6$). Decreasing pressure shifts equilibrium toward the side with **more moles of gas** (left), increasing $[\text{C}_2\text{H}_4]$. ✓
**(C) Removing some $\text{H}_2$:** Removing $\text{H}_2$ shifts equilibrium to the **left** to restore $[\text{H}_2]$, thereby increasing $[\text{C}_2\text{H}_4]$. ✓
**(D) Adding some $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4$:** Directly increases $[\text{C}_2\text{H}_4]$. Although equilibrium then shifts right consuming some $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4$, the final equilibrium concentration of $\text{C}_2\text{H}_4$ is still **higher** than the original. ✓
**Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D)**
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