Le chatelier, pressure and volume

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of changes in pressure and volume on the equilibrium of the reaction N2O4 ⇔ 2NO2. Participants explore how different modifications to the system influence the direction of the reaction shift, particularly in the context of Le Chatelier's principle.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the reaction will shift to the right with all changes except the addition of helium gas at constant volume, expressing confusion about the implications of changes in pressure and volume at equilibrium.
  • Another participant suggests considering the effects of temperature on the system and how it interacts with pressure and volume changes.
  • A different participant references the use of a piston to maintain constant pressure while changing volume, questioning the feasibility of this approach given the conditions of the problem.
  • Another participant raises concerns about how to change volume while keeping pressure, temperature, and number of moles constant, indicating a potential conflict in the assumptions of the scenario.
  • There is mention of the importance of using mathematical concepts like reaction quotients and partial pressures in analyzing thermodynamic problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how changes in pressure and volume affect the equilibrium of the reaction, with no consensus reached on the implications of these changes or the validity of the assumptions made in the question.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding how to manipulate pressure and volume simultaneously while maintaining other variables constant, indicating potential gaps in the assumptions or definitions used in the discussion.

Bengo
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This question has been bugging me and the more I think about it the more confused I get.

N2O4 ⇔2NO2

Question: the reaction will shift to the right with all of the following changes except

A. Addition of N2O4
B. an increase in volume at constant pressure
C. A decrease in pressure at constant volume
D. Addition of helium gas to the system at constant volume

I know the answer is D but choice B and C confuse me because with pressure and volume, how can you change one without the other if the reaction is already at equilibrium? I can see if more reactants or products are introduced but the question doesn't say that.

Thank you
 
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Think what temperature would do to the system and how you can try to control all the variable taking into account the temperature of the system.
 
Well my book says you can use a piston to keep pressure constant while changing the volume but I just don't understand how that's possible in this particular question when nothing else is being done to the system.
 
I'm out of practice with these questions but how will you change the volume inside a container (assumed by displacement of a piston) while keeping the pressure, temp and number of mols constant?

Something's got to give, no?

Also keep in mind that in these types of thermodynamics questions you occasionally need to forget the world and let the math do the talking. Are you familiar with the use of a reaction quotient and partial pressures when analyzing these problems?
 

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