Solubility of CO2? (1 Viewer)

[Finx]

Describe the solubility of carbon dioxide in water under various conditions as an equilibrium process and explain in terms of Le Chatlier's principle.

Yeah, HSC Online has it, but I'm not quite getting their explanation. They just give four equilibrium reactions relating to the creation of carbonic acid..

What does this dotpoint want us to know?

 

[gigglinJess]

Le Chateliers Principle - When a system at equilibrium is changed, the equilibrium acts to minimise the change.


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The solubility of CO2 decreases as the temperature of the closed system increases.

CO2(g) + H2O(l) «-» H2CO3(aq)

This is because as the temperature increases, the pressure increases. The equilibrium moves to reduce the pressure, this moves the equilibrium to the right to reduce CO2 particles. If the pressure is reduced, the opposite occurs, the equilibrium moves towards the right, to increase the pressure again.
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Concentration of CO2 ↑ - equilibrium moves to right to use up excess CO2

Quantity of H2CO3 ↑ - equilibrium moves to left to use up excess acid

Quantity of H2CO3 ↓ - equilibrium moves to right

NaOH added - neutralises acid, and moves equilibrium to right

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Hope this helps



( «-» = equilibrium sign)