Consider the following reversible reaction at equilibrium: C6H12O6 (aq) + 6 O2(g) ⇌ 6 CO2(g) + 6 H2O(l). If oxygen gas is removed from the equilibrium reaction vessel, how is the stress relieved?
According to Le Chatelier's principle, when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will react in such a way as to relieve that stress and restore equilibrium. In this case, if oxygen gas is removed from the equilibrium reaction vessel, the system will react by shifting the equilibrium to the right to produce more oxygen gas. This will be done in an attempt to replace the oxygen gas that was removed and restore equilibrium. As a result, more glucose and oxygen will be consumed, leading to an increase in the production of carbon dioxide and water.
