# Chemical equilibrium vs pressure

## Homework Statement

Consider the reaction : A⇔2B (⇔ stands for reversible). 1 mol of A and 2 mol of B are taken in a closed container at equilibrium. Suppose the pressure is increased, how much of B (by moles) will decompose to restore equilibrium ?

## The Attempt at a Solution

Okay, i know that reaction will be in backward direction in this case if pressure is increased.
A ⇔ 2B
Eq initial 1mol , 2mol
Eq final 1+x mol , 2-2x mol (2x mol of B decomposes to form x mol of A)
equilibrium constant = 22 / 1 = 4
it will not change with pressure
So, (2-2x)2 / 1+x = 4
x is comming out to be 3.
But if i see, at eq final the remaining moles of B is 2-2*3, -4 !!!!!

Borek
Mentor
equilibrium constant = 22 / 1 = 4

This is not the equilibrium constant, this is just the initial reaction quotient. You need the equilibrium constant value from some other source.

Bystander
mjc123
Homework Helper
Even if it is at equilibrium initially, that is not the equilibrium constant. The equilibrium constant is not expressed using moles but pressures (or concentrations), and if the number of moles is not equal on both sides of the equation, pressure is a factor in the equilibrium constant. If partial pressure is P*mole fraction, then
K = (2P/3)2/(P/3) = 4P/3 where P is the initial equilibrium pressure
If P1 is the final equilibrium pressure, can you calculate the mole fractions and partial pressures (as functions of x), and an expression for the equilibrium constant?
Suppose the question is "you change the pressure to P2, and the system adjusts to a new equilibrium state." Can you find the new equilibrium pressure, then proceed as above?