How Does Decreasing Temperature Affect SO3 Production in a Chemical Equilibrium?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of decreasing temperature on the production of SO3 in the chemical equilibrium represented by the reaction 2SO3(g) <-> 2SO2(g) + O2(g), with a given enthalpy change. Participants explore the implications of Le Chatelier's Principle in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that since the reaction is endothermic, decreasing temperature will shift the equilibrium to the left, resulting in an increase in SO3.
  • Another participant references Le Chatelier's Principle, stating that heating an endothermic reaction shifts the equilibrium to the right, but acknowledges that the original question involves a decrease in temperature.
  • A later reply corrects the misunderstanding regarding the temperature change, emphasizing that the mixture was cooled, not heated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of how temperature changes affect the equilibrium position, leading to a lack of consensus on the implications of decreasing temperature in this specific reaction.

Contextual Notes

There is a potential misunderstanding regarding the application of Le Chatelier's Principle in the context of temperature changes for endothermic reactions, which remains unresolved.

reyrey389
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What will happen to the number of moles of SO3 in equilibrium with SO2 and O2 in the reaction
2SO3(g) <-> 2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) H = 197kJ if the temperatrue is decreased?

I know this is endothermic, so heat is on the reactant side and that the reaction will shift to the left, so SO3 increases?
 
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Le Chateliers Principle states that any dynamic equilibruim will oppose changes imposed. Therefore heating an endothermic reaction will force the equilibrium in the endothermic direction which in your example would be to the right
 
tex43 said:
Le Chateliers Principle states that any dynamic equilibruim will oppose changes imposed. Therefore heating an endothermic reaction will force the equilibrium in the endothermic direction which in your example would be to the right

(bolding mine)

According to the original question temperature is decreasing. That means mixture was cooled, not heated.
 
Apologies Borek, didn't read the question properly ... cardinal sin.
 

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