Question

Which change in the reaction shown below will lead to an increase in the concentration of CO at equilibrium? 2 CO₂(g) + heat ↔ 2 CO(g) + O₂(g)

a. Increase the temperature
b. Decrease the temperature
c. Increase the pressure
d. Decrease the pressure

Answer 1

Increase in temperature will lead to an increase in the concentration of CO at equilibrium for the endothermic reaction 2 CO₂(g) + heat ↔ 2 CO(g) + O₂(g), according to Le Chatelier's Principle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction in question follows Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that a change in the conditions of a chemical equilibrium will result in the equilibrium shifting to counteract the change. The given reaction, 2 CO₂(g) + heat ↔ 2 CO(g) + O₂(g), shows that it's an example of an endothermic reaction on the forward path because heat is added to produce CO and O₂.

An increase in temperature will drive the reaction to the right, thereby increasing the concentration of CO at equilibrium as the system seeks to absorb the additional heat. On the other hand, a decrease in temperature will shift the equilibrium to the left, increasing the production of CO₂ and releasing heat to bring the system back to equilibrium. Therefore, the correct answer is:

1. Increase the temperature to increase the concentration of CO at equilibrium.