Dihydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas by partial oxidation with steam as per following endothermic reaction:
`CH_(4)(g)+H_(2)O(g) hArr CO(g)+3H_(2)(g)`
a. Write an expression for K_(p) for the above reaction.
b. How will the value of K_(p) and composition of equilibrium mixture be affected by
i. Increasing the pressure
ii. Increasing the temperature
iii. Using a catalyst?

Explanation

(a) ` K_(p) = (p_(CO)xx p_(H_(2))^(3))/(p_(CH_(4)) xx p_(H_(2)O`
(b) (i) By Le Chatelie's principle , equilibrium will shifts in the backward direction (as ` n_(r) lt n_(p))` (ii) As the given reaction is endothermic , by Le Chatelier's principle , equilibrium will shift in the forward direction.
(iii) Equilibrium composition will not be disturbed but equilibrium will be attained quickly .