What effect do the listed changes have on the position of the equilibrium in the reaction of carbon with hydrogen?C(s) + 2 H2(g) ⇌ CH4(g) ∆H = -18 kcal/mol (-75kJ/mol)Allowing CH4 to escape continuously from the reaction vessel

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of reaction: The given reaction is an exothermic reaction, as indicated by the negative \( \Delta H \) value.
2. Understand the concept of equilibrium: In a chemical equilibrium, the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.
3. Apply Le Chatelier's Principle: This principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change.
4. Consider the effect of removing a product: Allowing \( \text{CH}_4 \) to escape continuously reduces its concentration in the reaction vessel.
5. Predict the shift in equilibrium: According to Le Chatelier's Principle, the equilibrium will shift to the right to produce more \( \text{CH}_4 \) to replace what is being removed.

Key Concepts

Le Chatelier's Principle

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change. In this case, allowing CH4 to escape continuously reduces its concentration, prompting the equilibrium to shift to the right to produce more CH4, thereby attempting to restore balance.

Equilibrium Constant (K)

The equilibrium constant (K) quantifies the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction at a specific temperature. For the reaction C(s) + 2 H2(g) ⇌ CH4(g), the equilibrium constant will change if the concentration of CH4 decreases due to its escape, affecting the overall position of the equilibrium.

Endothermic vs. Exothermic Reactions

The reaction given is exothermic, as indicated by the negative ΔH value. In exothermic reactions, heat is released when products are formed. If the system loses CH4, the equilibrium will shift to the right to produce more CH4, which also means that the system will release heat, further influencing the reaction dynamics and equilibrium position.