Question

CH3COOH mc015-1.jpg CH3COO– (aq) + H+(aq)

What will happen to the chemical equilibrium of the solution if CH3COONa is added?

Answer 1

The equilibrium will shift to the reactants and increase the concentration of CH3COOH

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Le Chatelier's principle when a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in temperature, pressure, concentration etc then the equilibrium will shift in a direction to undo the effect of the induced change.

The given reaction is:

CH3COOH ↔ CH3COO-(aq) + H+(aq)

CH3COONa exists as ions i.e. CH3COO- and Na+. Therefore, addition of CH3COONa will introduce more CH3COO- ions into the system as a result the equilibrium will shift to the left i.e. towards the reactants and will produce more of CH3COOH

Answer 2

The equilibrium will shift to the left or the backward reaction since addition of CH3COONa will add more CH3COO- ions to the solution. The formation of reactants are promoted since the reactions tends to go to a new equilibrium because of the addition.