Core Logic
Let the initial pressure of the reactant N₂O₅$\mathrm{N}_2\mathrm{O}_{5}$ be P₀$P_0$.
Setting up the stoichiometric reaction table:
arraylcccc & N₂O5(g) & arrow & 2NO2(g) & + & (1)/(2)O2(g) Initially (t = 0): & P₀ & & 0 & & 0 At time t: & P₀ - x & & 2x & & (x)/(2) array$$\begin{array}{lcccc}
& \mathrm{N}_2\mathrm{O}_{5(\mathrm{g})} & \rightarrow & 2\mathrm{NO}_{2(\mathrm{g})} & + & \frac{1}{2}\mathrm{O}_{2(\mathrm{g})} \\
\text{Initially } (t = 0): & P_0 & & 0 & & 0 \\
\text{At time } t: & P_0 - x & & 2x & & \frac{x}{2}
\end{array}$$
The total pressure of the gaseous mixture at any time t$t$ is given by:
Ptotal = (P₀ - x) + 2x + (x)/(2) = P₀ + (3x)/(2)$$P_{\text{total}} = (P_0 - x) + 2x + \frac{x}{2} = P_0 + \frac{3x}{2}$$
When 50%$50\%$ of the reaction is completed, the change in the reactant's pressure is:
x = 0.5 P₀ = (P₀)/(2)$$x = 0.5 P_0 = \frac{P_0}{2}$$
Substituting the value of x$x$ into the total pressure expression:
Ptotal = P₀ + (3)/(2)((P₀)/(2)) = P₀ + (3P₀)/(4) = (7)/(4)P₀$$P_{\text{total}} = P_0 + \frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{P_0}{2}\right) = P_0 + \frac{3P_0}{4} = \frac{7}{4}P_0$$
Pattern Recognition
Track the change in the total pressure carefully using stoichiometric coefficients. For a 50%$50\%$ completion step, substitute the fractional equivalent (x = 0.5 P₀$x = 0.5 P_0$) directly into your total pressure expression.