Le Chatelier's Principle; Volume

Question

Given the following reaction:

3 H₂(g) + N₂(g) <--> 2NH₃(g)

If the volume of the reaction is decreased, the reaction will shift to the ___ to restore equilibrium.

A. Right

B. Left

Answer 1

Since all reactants and products are gases, changing the volume is the same as changing the pressure. If the volume is decreased, this is equivalent to an increase in pressure and since there are more moles of reactant (4 mols) than product (2 mols), the reaction will shift to the right (product) side (answer A) in an attempt to restore the equilibrium.