Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

This question was posed to me and I didn't have an answer for it.

When combining sodium bicarbonate and vinegar in a pressure vessel...will the resulting reaction continue to build pressure until the two components are exhausted OR is there some sort of pressure equilibrium where the chemical reaction becomes suppressed due to the increasing CO2 gas pressure like raising the boiling temp of water by putting it under pressure?

Hambone - A change in pressure, temperature and concentration of reactants will alter the equilibrium point of a chemical equation. In essence an increase in pressure would cause a chemical reaction of the acid/base to cease at some point.

According to the Le Châtelier principle: If a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change of pressure, temperature, or the number of moles of a component, there will be a tendency for a net reaction in the direction that reduces the effect of this change. Hope this helps.

Rick Marz

Thank You Rick. That's precisely what I needed.