Question

Which of the following scenarios would drive the reaction below to the left?
2A+B+energy-->C+D
A. Adding more energy
B. Adding D
C. Adding B
D. Removing C
Sorry, the arrow in this question is only a half arrow going each way, but I couldn't find a symbol to do that.

Answer 1

@JFraser

Answer 2

@cwrw238 help??

Answer 3

I like to imagine the arrow of an equilibrium system to be like a see-saw that's balanced. Any change to the masses on each side will stress the system and make it move to relieve the stress. Which of those changes will make the reaction shift to make more products?

Answer 4

Sorry, shift towards reactants not products

Answer 5

A, adding more energy, correct? @JFraser

Answer 6

if the energy is a reactant, adding more reactant won't force the reaction to the left

Answer 7

C, Adding B? @JFraser

Answer 8

Wait, no, you would subtract wouldn't you?

Answer 9

So, D, right?

Answer 10

its not option D, either. It's option B

Answer 11

Oh, crap. Thank you.

Answer 12

if you ADD too much of a product, it's like you've overloaded the right hand side of the "see-saw". the reaction must shift AWAY from that side, to use up some of the excess. All the other changes will force the reaction to shift FORWARD, to the products, instead

Answer 13

Oooh, okay, that makes more sense

Answer 14

you can approach just about all equilibrium problems this way. If you have too much of a substance, the reaction will shift away from the excess. if you have not enough, the reaction will shift towards the shortage