In the following equation: if you add #CH_4# to the mixture which direction does it shift? If you remove #H_2# what direction does it shift? Which way does it shift if you add a catalyst?
Equilibrium equation: #CH_4 + H_2O -> CH_3OH + H_2 + heat# . All reactants and products are gases.
Equilibrium equation:
1 Answer
Adding
Explanation:
Equilibrium reaction equations can be looked at like balances – or seesaws – where the amounts of reactants (left side) want to ‘balance’ with the amounts of products (right side) according to the relevant equilibrium reaction constants for the compounds.
So, when you add
Generally, adding more reactant or removing a product shifts the equilibrium to the right – more product needs to be generated. Removing a reactant or allowing the product to accumulate (or adding more of it to the reaction) shifts the equilibrium to the left – more reactants will remain in the system.