Le Châtelier's principle: pressure and moles of gas
For N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g), compressing the container to increase pressure shifts the equilibrium:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
The reactant side has more moles of gas, so compression shifts away from it.
B
Compression does shift equilibria that have unequal moles of gas. Adding an inert gas at constant volume is what has no effect.
C
K changes only with temperature. Compression changes Q, and the system shifts to restore K.
D
Correct. Four moles of gas become two, so forming NH3 relieves the added pressure.
TakeawayCompression favors fewer moles of gas. Only temperature changes K.
Next question →
Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID cp10.