Doubt in chemical equilibrium question.

In summary, for the given chemical equilibrium N_{2(g)} + O_{2(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2NO_{(g)}, the equilibrium constant (Kc) increases with an increase in the molar concentration of NO. Therefore, the correct answer to the question about the higher molar concentration of NO is E) V, with a Kc value of 16.9. This is due to the fact that the equilibrium constant expression for this reaction involves [NO]^2 in the numerator, indicating that a higher concentration of NO results in a higher Kc value. The book's answer of A) I, with a Kc value of 1.21, is incorrect.
  • #1
pc2-brazil
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Homework Statement



For the chemical equilibrium [tex]N_{2(g)} + O_{2(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2NO_{(g)}[/tex] , the following values were found for the constant Kc (chemical equilibrium constant), at the indicated temperatures:
(The table is attached as an image)
Code:
Table in text format:
    Temperature (K)    Kc (10^-4)
I   1800               1.21
II  2000               4.08
III 2100               6.86
IV  2200               11.0
V   2300               16.9
There is higher molar concentration of NO(g) in:
a) I
b) II
c) III
d) IV
e) V

Homework Equations



General form of the formula for finding the chemical equilibrium constant with respect to the molar concentrations of the reagents and products at the state of equilibrium:
[tex]K_c = \frac{[P]^p}{[R]^r}[/tex]
Where P are the products of the chemical reaction, R are the reagents, [] denotes molar concentration (mol/L) and p and r are the coefficients of each product and reagent in the chemical equation.

The Attempt at a Solution



The expression for the equilibrium constant of the given reaction is:
[tex]K_c = \frac{[NO]^2}{[N_2][O_2]}[/tex]
Where [X] denotes molar concentration of X.
As the concentration of NO, [NO], gets bigger, the fraction with [NO]2 as numerator also gets bigger; so, Kc gets bigger.
Then, the situation where Kc is the biggest should be the one with the highest concentration of NO. In this case, the answer would be letter E) V, since, in V, Kc equals 16.9.
So, the correct answer should be E (the highest Kc).
But the book says the correct answer is A (the smallest Kc), not E.
What is wrong with this reasoning?
Thank you in advance.
 

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  • #2
Have you shown all information? Are you perhaps told something about volume of the reaction vessel? Is it the same mixture each time? Was it started with known amount of substances?

And why do you think "a" is a correct answer?

--
methods
 
  • #3
Borek said:
Have you shown all information? Are you perhaps told something about volume of the reaction vessel? Is it the same mixture each time? Was it started with known amount of substances?

And why do you think "a" is a correct answer?

Thank you for the answer.
Yes, that is all the information of the problem.
We weren't clear at the end: we think the correct answer is E (for the reasons explained in the message, that is, from the equilibrium constant expression, higher Kc means higher [NO]), but the book says it is A.
NOTE: Although the problem didn't tell anything, it is probably the same mixture each time, and temperature is the factor which is changing Kc and shifting the equilibrium of the reaction. We also assume that the volume remains the same.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
We have just confirmed that the answer given in the book is wrong... It is actually E, just as we thought.
Thank you for your patience.
 

1. What is chemical equilibrium?

Chemical equilibrium is the state in which the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction, resulting in no overall change in the concentration of reactants and products.

2. How is equilibrium achieved in a chemical reaction?

Equilibrium is achieved when the concentrations of reactants and products reach a constant value. This can occur when the forward and reverse reactions reach equal rates, or when one of the reactions is completely consumed.

3. What factors can affect chemical equilibrium?

The factors that can affect chemical equilibrium include temperature, pressure, and concentration of reactants and products. Changes in these factors can shift the equilibrium in either the forward or reverse direction.

4. How can we calculate the equilibrium constant for a chemical reaction?

The equilibrium constant, represented as Kc or Kp, can be calculated using the concentrations or partial pressures of the reactants and products at equilibrium. The equation for the equilibrium constant varies depending on the specific chemical reaction.

5. What are some real-life examples of chemical equilibrium?

Examples of chemical equilibrium in everyday life include the dissolution of carbon dioxide in soda, the combustion of gasoline in car engines, and the production of ammonia in the Haber process. In each of these cases, there is a balance between the forward and reverse reactions that occurs at equilibrium.

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