A sealed container at constant volume contains the gases involved in the reaction 2SO2(g)+O2(g)⇌2SO3(g).
Counted particles at a particular moment:
• SO2: 6 particles
• O2: 2 particles
• SO3: 1 particle
At the same temperature the equilibrium constant is K=3.0. Which description best predicts the spontaneous direction of change?
a) The reaction will shift toward reactants, forming more SO2(g) and O2(g).
b) The mixture is already at equilibrium; no net change will occur.
c) The reaction will shift toward products, forming more SO3(g).
d) The direction of shift cannot be determined because the equilibrium constant is expressed in pressures, not particle counts.