Decrease in the pressure for the following equilibria: H2O (s) H2O() ...
Effect of Pressure on Equilibrium
In the equilibrium of H2O(s) ⇌ H2O(ℓ), the relationship between pressure and phase changes is crucial to understanding the behavior of water in different states.
Impact of Decreasing Pressure
- When the pressure is decreased, the equilibrium will shift to counteract that change according to Le Chatelier's Principle.
- In this case, H2O(ℓ) (liquid water) has a greater volume than H2O(s) (solid ice) because solids typically occupy less volume compared to their liquid counterparts.
Shift in Equilibrium
- A decrease in pressure favors the formation of the phase that occupies more volume.
- Therefore, the equilibrium will shift to the right, resulting in the formation of more H2O(ℓ).
Consequences for Melting Point
- Decreasing pressure generally lowers the melting point of solids.
- As a result, the melting point of H2O(s) would decrease under lower pressure conditions, making it easier for ice to convert to liquid water.
Conclusion
In summary, a decrease in pressure for the equilibrium H2O(s) ⇌ H2O(ℓ) leads to:
- (B) formation of more H2O(ℓ)
- (D) decrease in melting point of H2O(s)
This shift is driven by the principle that systems will adjust to counteract changes in external conditions, favoring the phase that occupies more volume when pressure is reduced.