Related Formula
Addition of inert gas at constant pressure increases total volume V$V$, shifting equilibrium toward the side with more gaseous moles (Δ ng > 0$\Delta n_g > 0$).
Core Logic
For PCl₅(g) leftharpoons PCl₃(g) + Cl₂(g)$\mathrm{PCl_5(g) \rightleftharpoons PCl_3(g) + Cl_2(g)}$, Δ ng = 1 + 1 - 1 = +1 > 0$\Delta n_g = 1 + 1 - 1 = +1 > 0$.
Addition of an inert gas (xenon) at constant temperature and total pressure increases system volume. To counteract this change, equilibrium shifts in the forward direction (towards greater number of gaseous moles), resulting in an increase in the moles/amount of PCl₃$\mathrm{PCl_3}$ and Cl₂$\mathrm{Cl_2}$ formed.
Step 1: Final Conclusion
The forward shift increases the amount of products, thus the amount/formation of PCl₃$\mathrm{PCl_3}$ increases.
Pattern Recognition
Inert gas added at CONSTANT PRESSURE arrow$\rightarrow$ Shifts equilibrium to larger gaseous moles side.
Δ ng > 0$\Delta n_g > 0 \implies$ Forward shift $\implies$ Product concentrations/moles increase.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Chemistry: Chemical Equilibrium