Chemical Equilibrium: Calculating K with Ideal Gas Law

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the equilibrium constant (K) for a chemical reaction involving gases, specifically the reaction S2(g) + 2H2(g) ←→ 2SH2(g). Participants are addressing a homework problem that requires the use of the ideal gas law and an ICE table to determine the equilibrium constant based on given initial amounts and equilibrium pressures.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the initial conditions and attempts to calculate the equilibrium constant using the ideal gas law and the ICE table.
  • Another participant states the formula for K in terms of partial pressures for gases.
  • A participant questions how to determine the "C" in the ICE table, indicating uncertainty about its necessity.
  • It is noted that partial pressures should be used for gases, while concentrations are used for solutions.
  • One participant calculates a Kp value of 0.580 and seeks confirmation from others.
  • Another participant suggests that the calculated Kp value seems low and requests to see the details of the calculations.
  • A participant provides calculations for the initial moles of H2 and SH2, using the ideal gas law to find their respective pressures and proposes a new Kp value of 2.33.
  • Concerns are raised about the accuracy of the calculations, particularly regarding the stoichiometry of the reaction and the amounts of reactants and products at equilibrium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the calculated Kp values, with some suggesting that the calculations may not account for the stoichiometry of the reaction properly. There is no consensus on the final value of Kp, and multiple competing calculations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of using stoichiometry in calculations and the distinction between Kc and Kp, indicating that the choice may depend on the specific requirements of the problem. There are unresolved aspects regarding the initial amounts of reactants and products at equilibrium.

Anna_Kwong
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Homework Statement


It is a chem equilibrium question, involving the ICE table.

The following reaction:
S2(g) + 2H2 (g) ←→ 2SH2(g)
takes place at high temperatures. If the initial amount of H2 and SH2 is 1.75 g and 1.95 g, respectively, and at equilibrium the amount of S2(g) is found to be 0.00188 atm, what is the value of the equilibrium constant? Please give your answer to three significant figures. Given: T = 1670 K and Reaction Volume = 0.500 L. (Hint: you will need to use the ideal gas law).


Homework Equations



pv=nRT, ICE table

The Attempt at a Solution


What I did was find the the mols of H2 and SH2 since we are given n=m/M. So I have those 2 for "I" initial.
Then I found the equilibrium mols of S2, by plugging into the formula pv=nRt, solving for n=pv/Rt and I get 2.00E-5.

Essentially, I know K = [products]/[reactants]. But I only know the "I" of H2 and SH2, and I only know the "E" of S2.

Your help is greatly appreciated!
 
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K = P(product)/ P(reactant) when everything is in gas state.
 
how do I figure out the "C" in change? or is that even necessary..
 
remember when dealing with gases, use partial pressure. when dealing with solutions, use concentration.
 
ok so, kp= pSH2^2/ pH2^2 x pS2 , i know the value of pS2, which is 0.00188atm, how do I find the other 2 values needed to solve for the kp value? Thanks
 
My kp value is 0.580, can anyone confirm this please and thanks
 
Use stoichiometry of the reaction.

Kc vs Kp - it depends on what the question asks. When dealing with gases it is more likely that the answer expected is Kp, but it is also perfectly possible to calculate Kc and it will be a valid answer as well. Whether it will be accepted by your teacher... that's another story.

Seems to me like your Kp value is much too low. Show details of your work.
 
H2 :1.75g / 2.02g/mol = 0.866mol , use pv=nRT , p = nRT/v = (0.866mol)(0.082)(1670)/(0.5) = 237atm
SH2: 1.95g/34.06g/mol = 0.0572mol, use pv=nRT, p = nRT/v = (0.0572mol)(0.082)(1670)/(0.5)=15.7 atm
S2: 0.00188atm

kp= pSH2^2/pS2 x pH2^2 = (15.7)^2/((237)^2 x (0.00188)) = 2.33, eekk guess my calculations for the first run was incorrect, however, is the work done correctly?
 
Results looks much better now, although you have not accounted for the fact that your final mixture doesn't contain 1.75 g H2 nor 1.95 g of H2S - the first was produced together with S2, the latter was decomposed. You should use reaction stoichiometry for that.

Not that it will change much, but you should check it to be sure.
 

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