Consider this reaction at equilibrium.

+¿( aq)¿

     H 2 S (aq)+ Z n2 +¿(aq )⇌ ZnS (s)+2 H ¿

    ΔH <0

Which change shifts the equilibrium position to the right?

A.     Adding sodium hydroxide
B.     Decreasing pressure
C.     Adding a catalyst
D.     Increasing temperature
We can immediately eliminate option C since a catalyst only increases the rate at which
equilibrium is achieved by increasing the rate of the forward and backward reactions, it does not
affect the position of equilibrium. The forward reaction is exothermic since ΔH = -ve which
means that the system loses heat in the forward reaction. An increase in temperature favours an
endothermic reaction, not a exothermic reaction so increasing the temperature will not shift the
position of equilibrium to the right. Decreasing the pressure would not do anything. All the
reactant and products in this reaction are either in aqueous state or solid state. The pressure for
solids and liquids is almost negligible which is why changing the pressure would not have any
effect on the position of equilibrium. The only option remaining is A which is the answer.
Changing the pressure should only be considered when there are gasses involved in our reaction
mixture.

What will happen if the pressure is increased in the following reaction mixture at equilibrium?
CO2 (g) + H2O (l) ⇌ H+ (aq) + HCO3− (aq)
A. The equilibrium will shift to the right and pH will decrease.
B. The equilibrium will shift to the right and pH will increase.
C. The equilibrium will shift to the left and pH will increase.
D. The equilibrium will shift to the left and pH will decrease.
Again pay close attention to the state symbols.

Which statement is correct for a reversible reaction when K c ≫1?

A.     The reaction almost goes to completion.
B.     The reaction hardly occurs.
C.     Equilibrium is reached in a very short time.
D.     At equilibrium, the rate of the forward reaction is much higher than the rate of the
backward reaction.
Completion means that the reaction has proceeded almost entirely towards the product side.
The equilibrium between nitrogen dioxide, N O 2, and dinitrogen tetroxide, N 2 O 4, is shown
below.
2 N O 2 ( g) ⇌ N 2 O 4 ( g) K c =0.01

What happens when the volume of a mixture at equilibrium is decreased at a constant

temperature?
I.     The value of K c increases

II.     More N 2 O 4 is formed

[ N O2 ]
III.     The ratio of decreases
[ N2O4]

A.     I and II only
B.     I and III only
C.     II and III only
D.     I, II and III
Remember that the equilibrium constant is NOT affected by pressure or concentration, it is only
affected by temperature.

Consider the following reversible reaction.

+¿ (aq )¿
2−¿(aq)+ 2 H ¿

C r 2 O2−¿(aq )+ H O (l)⇌2 CrO

2 4 ¿
7

What will happen to the position of equilibrium and the value of K c when more H +¿¿ ions are
added at constant temperature?

The answer is D since Kc is NOT affected by change in concentration or change in pressure, it is

only affected by a change in temperature.
Outline why a temperature higher than 200 atm is not used in the Haber process.
A pressure higher than 200 atm would pose a very serious risk at the manufacturers.