Assume that the system is at equilibrium as determined in CTQ \(13 .\) What will happen to the number of moles of \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}\) present if some \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\) gas is suddenly injected into the box? Explain your reasoning.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The number of moles of \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}\) will increase when additional \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\) gas is injected into the box as the system shifts its equilibrium to re-establish balance.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the system and disruption

The equilibrium in consideration here is the reaction \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{PCl}_{3} + \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\). The disturbance or change here is an increase in the concentration of \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\).
02

Le Chatelier's response

According to Le Chatelier's Principle, the system will respond in such a way to offset the change. This means that the equilibrium will shift in the direction that reduces the number of moles of \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\). In this case, the equilibrium will shift to the right, as this will consume the added \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\) to form more \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}\) and \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\).
03

Determine the effect on PCl3

Because the equilibrium shifts to the right, more \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}\) will be produced. Therefore, the number of moles of \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}\) present will increase.

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