Consider the gas-phase reaction 3O₂(g) ⇆ 2O₃(g). Suppose K_eq for this reaction is –1 (it is not, but assume it is for this problem). Suppose you want pure ozone (O₃) that is uncontaminated with oxygen (O₂).

(a) Why can’t you simply remove the oxygen from the reaction vessel once the reaction has come to equilibrium to obtain pure ozone?

(b) In fact, K_eq for this reaction at room temperature is 2.5 × 10^–29. Knowing this, how important would you say Le Châtelier’s principle is for this reaction when it comes to influencing the amount of ozone present at equilibrium? Explain.