Question

Addition of an inert gas at constant volume to the equilibrium mixture does not affect the position of equilibrium.
(a) True
(b) False

Answer 1

We have to know what equilibrium is, what are the various factors, how these factors will affect the position of equilibrium and the main how addition of an inert gas at constant volume affects the position of equilibrium.

Complete answer:
We are starting with definition of Equilibrium,
Equilibrium: When the ratio of the reactants and the products are the same, then the reaction is said to be in equilibrium. It means at a certain time, the reactants and products have the same ratio that means the forward rate of reaction and backward rate reaction both are the same.
The factors which affect the equilibrium:
(a) Change in temperature.
(b) Change in pressure.
(c) Change in concentration.
(d) Effect on catalyst.
(e) Effect of addition of an inert gas.
(a) Change in temperature: If the temperature decreases, which means heat is absorbed, i.e, reaction is endothermic. Then the reaction shifts towards the reactant side. If the temperature increases, which means heat is released, i.e, reaction is exothermic. Then the reaction shifts towards the product side.
(b) Change in pressure: The change in pressure is due to the change in the volume. If the reaction is gaseous, the volume changes, hence the pressure will be changed and results into the change in reaction equilibrium.
(c) Change in concentration: When there is a change in the concentration of the reactants and product, the equilibrium will shift towards the larger concentration.
(d) Effect on catalyst: A catalyst does not affect the reaction equilibrium, it only speeds up the reaction.
(e) Effect of addition of an inert gas: If any inert gas is added in the reaction with a constant volume the reaction equilibrium remains constant.
So, from the above discussions, we come to the point that the addition of an inert gas at constant volume to the equilibrium does not affect the position of equilibrium.

Hence, the correct option is (a) true.

Note: We have to keep the things in mind that when the inert gas is added to the equilibrium position the volume should be constant and the inert gas used is should not be taking part in the reaction, at that condition only the equilibrium position of the equilibrium does not affect while adding the inert gas.