Question

What would happen if `O_2` were added to `N_2(g) + O_2 (g) rightleftharpoons 2NO(g)` at equilibrium?

Answer 1

The equilibrium will shift to the right side.

Explanation:

For the following system at equilibrium:

`N_2(g)+O_2(g)rightleftharpoons2NO(g)`

According to le Châtelier's principle , when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will readjust to reach equilibrium again by minimizing the stress applied to it.

In this question, when the concentration of oxygen `O_2` is increased by adding oxygen to the system, the system will proceed in reducing the concentration of oxygen by consuming oxygen to form more products and therefore, the equilibrium will shift to the right side.