The reaction between carbon monoxide and water vapour is carried out in a sealed container - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 10 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 10
The reaction between carbon monoxide and water vapour is carried out in a sealed container.
The equilibrium yield of hydrogen will be increased by
A. an increase in ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The reaction between carbon monoxide and water vapour is carried out in a sealed container - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 10 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. an increase in pressure at constant temperature.
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Answer
Increasing the pressure in a reaction involving gases generally shifts the equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas. In this case, if the reaction has equal or more moles of gas on either side, this option would not increase the equilibrium yield of hydrogen.
Step 2
B. a decrease in temperature.
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Answer
For exothermic reactions, decreasing the temperature results in a shift of the equilibrium to the right, favoring the production of hydrogen. Therefore, this option will increase the yield of hydrogen.
Step 3
C. the addition of an inert gas at constant temperature.
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Answer
Adding an inert gas at constant volume does not change the partial pressures of the reacting gases, and thus does not affect the equilibrium position. Therefore, this option has no effect on the yield of hydrogen.
Step 4
D. the use of a suitable catalyst at constant temperature.
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Answer
A catalyst increases the rate of reaction but does not affect the equilibrium position. Consequently, while it speeds up the attainment of equilibrium, it does not increase the yield of hydrogen.
