If the reaction is at equilibrium, which change will help to increase the amount of ammonia formed?
3H2(g) + N2(g) 2NH3(g) + heat
A. Removing nitrogen
B. Raising the temperature
C. Lowering the pressure
D. Adding hydrogen
Adding hydrogen
APEX
D. Adding hydrogen
a shifts back to left
b shifts back to left
c. shifts to left
d. shifts to right ****
To determine which change will help to increase the amount of ammonia formed when the reaction is at equilibrium, we need to consider Le Chatelier's principle. According to Le Chatelier's principle, when a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change, it will shift in a way to counteract that change and re-establish equilibrium.
Let's analyze each option:
A. Removing nitrogen: In the given equation, we have N2 as one of the reactants. If we remove nitrogen from the system, Le Chatelier's principle suggests that the reaction will shift to compensate and produce more nitrogen. This change will not increase the amount of ammonia formed.
B. Raising the temperature: Increasing the temperature causes the system to absorb heat. In this exothermic reaction, the formation of ammonia is favored with lower temperatures. Therefore, raising the temperature would shift the equilibrium in the opposite direction, resulting in a lower amount of ammonia formed.
C. Lowering the pressure: Lowering the pressure causes the system to shift in the direction that produces more gas molecules. In this case, ammonia is the only gas molecule amongst the reactants and products. Therefore, lowering the pressure would shift the equilibrium to produce more ammonia, increasing the amount of ammonia formed.
D. Adding hydrogen: Adding more hydrogen to the system would increase the concentration of the reactant. Le Chatelier's principle suggests that the system would shift in the direction that reduces the concentration of hydrogen, which means it would produce more ammonia. Adding hydrogen would increase the amount of ammonia formed.
Based on the analysis, the change that would help to increase the amount of ammonia formed at equilibrium is option D: Adding hydrogen.