Question

Consider the chemical equation TiCl4 + 2 H2O \(\rightleftharpoons\) TiO2 + 4 HCl if the pressure is increased what will happen to the equilibrium?

(a) it moves backward direction

(b) moves forward direction

(c) remains constant

(d) cannot say

The question was posed to me during an online interview.

Question is taken from Factors Affecting Equilibria topic in section Equilibrium of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) it moves backward direction

To explain I would say: When there is a change in a number of moles, the equilibrium will shift in the direction having a smaller number of moles when the pressure is increased and vice-versa. Here the equilibrium moves in the backward direction because the reactants have less number of moles than products.