Equilibrium Position - Pressure
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 6.2.5
Pressure and the Position of Equilibrium
Pressure changes only affect reactions that involve gases. To predict what happens after a change in pressure, we must look at balanced equations to see how many gas molecules are on each side of the equation.
Increase pressure
- The position of equilibrium will shift to favour the reaction that produces the fewest gas molecules.
Decrease pressure
- The position of equilibrium will shift towards the side of the reaction that produces the most gas molecules.
Test yourself on Equilibrium Position - Pressure
A reversible reaction at equilibrium is shown: A(g) ⇌ B(g) + C(g). What happens to the position of equilibrium if the pressure is increased?
A reversible reaction at equilibrium involves only solids and liquids, with no gases present. What happens to the position of equilibrium if the pressure is increased?
What type of reaction is affected by a change in pressure?
What happens to the position of equilibrium in a reaction at equilibrium if the pressure is decreased?
A reversible reaction at equilibrium is shown: H2(g) + I2(g) ⇌ 2HI(g). What happens to the position of equilibrium if the pressure is increased?