Chemistry Problem: Calculating Keq for N2O4 Gas Dissociation at 25oC

  • Thread starter Thread starter afcwestwarrior
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chemistry
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the equilibrium constant (Keq) for the dissociation of dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) gas into nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at 25°C. Participants explore the implications of concentration changes and the relationship between temperature and dissociation in the context of a chemistry problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the equilibrium expression for the dissociation reaction as Keq = [NO2]²/[N2O4].
  • Another participant questions whether to calculate the pressure or concentrations of the chemicals involved.
  • A participant calculates the initial concentration of N2O4 as 0.2 M and NO2 as 0.02 M, suggesting these values for the Keq calculation.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether the calculated values are appropriate for the Keq determination.
  • A later reply clarifies that while the initial concentration of N2O4 is 0.2 M, some has dissociated, introducing a variable x for the concentration of NO2, leading to a revised expression for Keq: Keq = [x]²/([N2O4] - x).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to calculate Keq using concentrations, but there is uncertainty regarding the appropriate values to use and how to account for the dissociation of N2O4.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the mathematical steps necessary to determine the correct value for Keq, and there are assumptions regarding the extent of dissociation that remain unaddressed.

afcwestwarrior
Messages
453
Reaction score
0
Dinitrogen tetroxide, N2O4, is a colorless gas that boils at 21oC. As a gas, it is extensively dissociated to NO2. As a liquid, it is partly dissociated to NO2. NO2 is a reddish-brown toxic gas that makes up part of the brown cloud in Denver during the winter months.
N2O4 (g) <==> 2 NO2 (g)
a. At 25oC, 1.00 mole N2O4 is placed in a 5.0 liter container. At equilibrium, the container has 0.1 mole NO2 present. Calculate a numerical value for Keq.
b. At 25oC, the gas inside the container is reddish-brown. When this container is placed in an ice bath, the gas is colorless. Is the dissociation of N2O4 exothermic or endothermic? Explain. Calculate the heat of reaction to confirm your answer.
c. In the high altitude of Denver, the winter is cold. Explain why NO2 is formed in Denver in the winter and not in the summer.
d. Assuming the same conditions as Denver except at sea level, would you expect the brown cloud to form? Give reasons.
e. (Extra credit: 1 point) Which structure do you expect to more reactive, N2O4 or NO2? Give reasons.


i need help on a, so if u can help me help me please, i will show you my work.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
so here's what i did Keq= [NO2]2/[N2O4]
 
so what do i do, do i figure out the pressure of those chemicals or do i figure out there concentrations
 
here's what i did, 1mol/ 5 liters = .2 M and .1 mole/ 5 liters = .02

then i took .02^2 NO2/ .2 M N2O4 =.002 is this right, or do have to too do something else
 
this is right but I am sure if I am suppost to use those numbers
 
The original concentratio of N2O4 is certainly 0.2M but some of it has dissociated to form the NO2. Let x=[NO2], the Keq becomes:

Keq = [x}^2/[[N2O4]-x]

substitute and determine the Keq.
 

Similar threads

Replies
33
Views
19K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
22K
Replies
9
Views
5K