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Sulfur dioxide and oxygen are mixed to form sulfur trioxide according to $$2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g)$$ Which one of the following best describes the effect of adding the catalyst V_2O_5 to the mixture? | Equilibrium yield | Reaction rate | |-------------------|---------------| | A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 3
Sulfur dioxide and oxygen are mixed to form sulfur trioxide according to $$2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g)$$ Which one of the following best describe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Sulfur dioxide and oxygen are mixed to form sulfur trioxide according to $$2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g)$$ Which one of the following best describes the effect of adding the catalyst V_2O_5 to the mixture? | Equilibrium yield | Reaction rate | |-------------------|---------------| | A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which one of the following best describes the effect of adding the catalyst V_2O_5 to the mixture?
Answer
When a catalyst such as V2O5 is added to a reaction, it provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur, thus increasing the rate of reaction without affecting the equilibrium position. Consequently, the addition of V2O5 will have no effect on the equilibrium yield but will increase the reaction rate. Therefore, the correct answer is B: no change in equilibrium yield and increases in reaction rate.