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Q. When pressure is applied to the equilibrium systems : Ice $\leftrightharpoons $ water (liquid), which of the following will take place?

JIPMERJIPMER 2010Equilibrium

Solution:

$\underset{\text{(More volume)}}{\text{Ice}}$ + Heat $\rightleftharpoons \underset{\text{(Less volume)}}{\text{Water}}$
The change of ice into water is an endothermic (heat absorbing), reversible process. The reaction involves decrease in volume, i.e., when ice melts into water, volume decreases. Hence, according to Le chatelier’s principle, on increasing the pressure on this system in equilibrium, the equilibrium tends to shift in a direction in which volume decreases, i.e. equilibrium shifts to the right. Thus, increasing pressure favours change of ice into water, i.e. more of ice melts or more water will be formed.