Question

consider the following chemical equation in equilibrium. h₂so₄(aq) ⇌ 2h⁺ + so₄²⁻ what will happen to the chemical equilibrium if hcl is added to the system? the chemical equilibrium will shift to the right. the chemical equilibrium will be lost permanently. the chemical equilibrium will not be affected. the chemical equilibrium will shift to the left.

Explanation:

1. First, analyze the ions involved: HCl is a strong acid and dissociates in water as \( \text{HCl}(aq)

ightarrow \text{H}^+ + \text{Cl}^- \). The given equilibrium is \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4(aq)
ightleftharpoons 2\text{H}^+ + \text{SO}_4^{2-} \).

1. Then, apply Le Chatelier's principle: When HCl is added, the concentration of \( \text{H}^+ \) ions in the solution increases (because HCl provides more \( \text{H}^+ \)). According to Le Chatelier's principle, if a stress (in this case, an increase in the concentration of a product, \( \text{H}^+ \)) is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will shift in a direction that relieves the stress.
2. Finally, determine the shift direction: To reduce the increased concentration of \( \text{H}^+ \), the equilibrium will shift to the left (towards the reactant, \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \)), because the reverse reaction consumes \( \text{H}^+ \) and \( \text{SO}_4^{2-} \) to form \( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \), thus decreasing the \( \text{H}^+ \) concentration. Equilibrium is a dynamic state and not lost permanently, and adding HCl does affect the equilibrium (so options A, B, C are incorrect).

Answer:

D. The chemical equilibrium will shift to the left.