Consider the following exothermic reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) = 2SO3 (g) . If the temperature of the reaction is reduced from 800oC to 500oC, and no other change takes place, then
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Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation:
The correct answer is C: concentration of SO₃ increases.
Here's the reasoning:
The reaction is exothermic:
\[
2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g)
\]
According to Le Chatelier's Principle, if the temperature is reduced, the equilibrium will shift in the direction that produces heat to counteract the decrease in temperature. Since this is an exothermic reaction, the equilibrium will shift towards the right to produce more SO₃ (sulfur trioxide) to release heat.
Thus, lowering the temperature from 800°C to 500°C will favor the formation of more SO₃, and the concentration of SO₃ will increase.
- Option A is incorrect because the reaction rate generally decreases with a decrease in temperature, although the equilibrium shifts in favor of more SO₃.
- Option B is incorrect because the concentration of SO₃ increases, not decreases.
- Option D and Option E are incorrect because neither SOâ‚‚ nor Oâ‚‚ becomes unreactive under these conditions.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: concentration of SO₃ increases.
The correct answer is C: concentration of SO₃ increases.
Here's the reasoning:
The reaction is exothermic:
\[
2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g)
\]
According to Le Chatelier's Principle, if the temperature is reduced, the equilibrium will shift in the direction that produces heat to counteract the decrease in temperature. Since this is an exothermic reaction, the equilibrium will shift towards the right to produce more SO₃ (sulfur trioxide) to release heat.
Thus, lowering the temperature from 800°C to 500°C will favor the formation of more SO₃, and the concentration of SO₃ will increase.
- Option A is incorrect because the reaction rate generally decreases with a decrease in temperature, although the equilibrium shifts in favor of more SO₃.
- Option B is incorrect because the concentration of SO₃ increases, not decreases.
- Option D and Option E are incorrect because neither SOâ‚‚ nor Oâ‚‚ becomes unreactive under these conditions.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: concentration of SO₃ increases.