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)**
Create a free account to view solution
View Solution FreeMore Ionic Equilibrium Questions
Ka values for HA, HB and HD are 10-5, 10-7 and 10-9 respectively. Which of the following will be correct for decimolar a...An amount of 0.01 moles of solid AgCN is rendered soluble in 1 L by adding just sufficient excess cyanide ion to form Ag...The value Kp for the reaction :2H2S(s) = 2H2(g) + S2(g) is 1.2 × 10-2 at 1065oC. The value for KC is :...For the identification of β - naphthol using dye test, it is necessary to use...The concentration of acetate ions in 1 M acetic acid (Ka = 2 × 10−5) solution containing 0.1 M HCl is...