Question

the reaction shifts to the left (reactants). what happens to the amount of hi as the reaction shifts?
$51.8\\;\mathrm{kj} + \mathrm{h}_2(\mathrm{g}) + \mathrm{i}_2(\mathrm{g}) \
ightleftharpoons 2\mathrm{hi}(\mathrm{g})$

• the amount of hi goes down.
• the amount of hi goes up.
• the amount of hi does not change.

Explanation:

In a chemical equilibrium, when the reaction shifts to the left (towards reactants), the forward reaction (producing HI) slows and the reverse reaction (consuming HI to form \(H_2\) and \(I_2\)) increases. So, HI is being consumed, leading to a decrease in its amount.

Answer:

The amount of HI goes down.