Introduction to Le Chatelier's Principle

AP Chemistry· difficulty 2/5

The reaction 2 NO2(g) <-> N2O4(g) is at equilibrium when the container volume is suddenly decreased at the dashed line.

2 NO2(g) <-> N2O4(g) time N2O4 NO2 decrease V

The plot is consistent with which response to a volume decrease?

  • A

    Shift to the side with fewer moles of gas (toward N2O4)

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  • B

    Both species rise equally

  • C

    No shift, since K is constant

  • D

    Shift to the side with more moles of gas (toward NO2)

Explanation

Decreasing volume increases pressure; the system shifts toward fewer moles of gas. 2 mol NO2 -> 1 mol N2O4 reduces moles, so equilibrium shifts toward N2O4.

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