1. Please explain in at least a sentence for each
N2O4 --> 2NO2
Consider the following exothermic reaction: State whether the reaction would proceed in the
forward direction, reverse direction, or remain the same by: a) (2 pts) Removing some NO2:
____________________
b) (2 pts) Increasing the temperature: ____________________
c) (2 pts) Decreasing the total pressure: ____________________
d) (2 pts) Decreasing the volume of reaction vessel: ____________________
e) (2 pts) Adding some N2O4: ____________________
Solution
According to the Le Chatelier;s principle , when the reaction is at equillibrium , any change in
the reaction conditions shifts the equillibrium to the direction where the equillibrium can be re-
estabilished.
a) When NO2 is removed , the reaction proceeds in the forward direction , so that more of NO2
can be formed and equillibrium can be re-estabilished.
b) Since the reaction is endothermic , increasing temperature , will shift reaction in reverse
direction so that heat can be utilised
c) Decreasing the total pressure proceeds reaction in forward direction , so that the pressure can
be increased again.
d) Decreasing volume , increases pressure , so the reaction proceeds in reverse direction , so that
the equillibrium can be re-estabilished.
e) Adding some N2O4 proceeds reaction in forward dorection , so that it can be utilised.