Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chemical Equilibrium
Chemical equilibrium occurs when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products. In the context of the given reaction, this means that at 400Β°C, the amounts of PbO2, PbO, and O2 will stabilize at specific values, depending on the conditions and concentrations in the sealed vessels.
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Le Chatelier's Principle
Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium. In this case, heating the PbO2 will shift the equilibrium position, affecting the amounts of PbO2, PbO, and O2 present in the vessels.
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Decomposition Reactions
Decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more products. The reaction of lead(IV) oxide decomposing into lead(II) oxide and oxygen gas is an example of this type of reaction. Understanding the nature of decomposition helps predict how the amounts of reactants and products will change as the system reaches equilibrium.
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