Answer
(a) We need to increase the volume of the container.
(b) We need to decrease the volume of the container.
Work Step by Step
Increasing the volume favors the side with more moles of gas.
Decreasing the volume favors the side with less moles of gas.
If we want to maximize product yield, we want to favor the products side, therefore:
- If the products have the less amount of moles, we decrease the volume, and vice-versa.
(a) Reactants: 0 moles of gas; Products: 1 mol of gas.
We need to increase the volume of the container.
(b) Reactants: 3 moles of gas; Products: 1 mol of gas.
We need to decrease the volume of the container.