For the dissociation reaction , the degree of dissociation is small (). If the initial volume of the — Chemical Equilibrium Chemistry Question
Question
For the dissociation reaction $PCl_5(g) \rightleftharpoons PCl_3(g) + Cl_2(g)$, the degree of dissociation $\alpha$ is small ($\alpha \ll 1$). If the initial volume of the container is expanded by a factor of $16$ at constant temperature, by what factor does $\alpha$ increase?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
For $PCl_5$, $\alpha \propto \sqrt{V}$ when $\alpha$ is small. If the new volume $V_{new} = 16 V_{initial}$, then the new degree of dissociation $\alpha_{new} = \sqrt{16} \alpha_{initial} = 4 \alpha_{initial}$. Thus, it increases by a factor of 4.
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