Calculating Mole Fraction and Kp in Chemical Equilibrium

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mole fraction of O2 and the equilibrium constant Kp for the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ↔ 2 SO3(g) under specified conditions. Participants are exploring the application of chemical equilibrium concepts and mathematical reasoning related to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving the calculation of mole fraction and Kp, expressing uncertainty about how to find the mole fraction of O2 at equilibrium.
  • Another participant shares their calculations, detailing the changes in moles of reactants and products, and attempts to derive Kp, but arrives at a value they believe is incorrect.
  • A suggestion is made to convert Kp to Kc, indicating an alternative approach to the problem.
  • A participant comments on the clarity of the original post, suggesting that the notation used is difficult to read and offers a method to determine the molarity of O2 from the total pressure and molarity of sulfur species.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations and methods used, with no consensus on the correct approach or final values for Kp or the mole fraction of O2. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved definitions and notations, such as the meaning of "@" and "Nt," which may affect the clarity of the calculations presented. Additionally, the assumptions made regarding total moles and molarity are not fully detailed.

rock23
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Chemical equilibrium help!

For a reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) ↔ 2 SO3(g), 0.1mol of each SO2 and SO3 are mixed in a 2.0L flask at 27 degrees Celsius. After Equilibrium total pressure is 2.78atm.
Calculate a) The mole fraction of O2 at equilibrium
b) The value of Kp

I don't know how to find out the mole fraction of O2...
I did the problem finding Kp.. but I got a large number of 19.31...
And my Nt at equilibrium= n(4-alpha)

Any ideas??
 
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Here is my work:

2SO2(g) + O2(g) ↔ 2 SO3(g)
2n 0 ↔ 2n
-2n@ -n@ ↔ +2n@

2n-2n@ -n@ ↔ 2n +2n@ Where Nt= 2n-2n@-n@+2n+2n@
2n(1-@) -n@ ↔ 2n(1+@) Nt=4n-n@ Nt= n(4-@)

2n(1-@)/n(4-@) -n@/(n4-@) ↔ 2n(1+@)/ (n (4-@))

2(1-@)/(4-@) Pt 1/4 Pt ↔ 2(1+@)/ (4-@))

Where Kp= (P SO3(g))^2 / ((P SO2)^2 * (P O2))

Kp= ((4(1+@)^2) / ((1-@)^2 ) ) 1/Pt

Where Nt at equilibrium= ( 2.78atm*2L) /( 0.08206 atm dm3 mol-1 k-1)(301.15)
Nt= .2249 moles

solving for @
.2449= .1(4-@)
@= 1.751

Plugging in @ to find Kp... I got 19.31... but i'ts wrong it's supposed to be 0.356
 


try to convert the Kp to Kc.
 


You probably haven't received help because your answer is too hard to read.
I don't know what @ or Nt mean.
And just above the input box there are symbols X2 and X2 which allow you to easily write things like [SO3]2 which help legibility.

The way I would find it easiest:

Total S (sulphur) is 0.1 M if I am not mistaken.
From the pressure work out the total molarity of the gas.
The difference is the molarity of O2.
 
Last edited:

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