Equilibrium Position - Pressure
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 14.3.5
Pressure and the Position of Equilibrium
Pressure changes only affect reactions involving 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?