Convert Kp to Kc: N2 + O2 <--> 2NO @ 25°C

  • Thread starter Thread starter needphyshelp
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Convert
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of partial pressure to concentration for the reaction N2(g) + O2(g) <--> 2 NO(g) at 25°C, specifically focusing on the equilibrium concentration of NO in air given the partial pressures of N2 and O2. Participants explore the relationship between Kp and concentration, as well as the application of the Ideal Gas Law.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that Kp = 1x10-31 and seeks to calculate the concentration of NO in molecules/cm3 at equilibrium.
  • Another participant questions whether the original poster is trying to convert Kp to Kc or partial pressure to concentration.
  • A participant asserts that converting Kp to Kc is unnecessary and emphasizes the need to convert partial pressure into molecules per cc using the Ideal Gas Law.
  • There is a suggestion to find moles per unit volume (n/V) instead of focusing on stoichiometry for the conversion.
  • A participant expresses confusion about their calculations and seeks clarification on their approach using the Ideal Gas Law.
  • One participant expresses that the calculations presented appear correct, questioning the basis for the original poster's doubts about their answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to convert partial pressure to concentration using the Ideal Gas Law, but there is some confusion regarding the specifics of the calculations and the necessity of converting Kp to Kc. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct application of the Ideal Gas Law and the conversion process, indicating potential missing assumptions or misunderstandings in the calculations.

needphyshelp
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



At 25°C, Kp = 1x10-31 for the reaction below.

N2(g) + O2(g) <--> 2 NO(g)
(a) Calculate the concentration of NO (in molecules/cm3) that can exist in equilibrium in air at 25°C. In air PN2 = 0.8 atm and PO2 = 0.2 atm.

Homework Equations


??


The Attempt at a Solution


I have calculated the partial pressure of NO to be 1.26x10-16 but I do not know how to convert to Kp from this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
needphyshelp said:
I have calculated the partial pressure of NO to be 1.26x10-16 but I do not know how to convert to Kp from this.


Sorry, but it doesn't make sense. Are you trying to convert Kp to Kc, or partial pressure to concentration, or something else?
 
First of all, you do not need to convert Kp to Kc.
needphyshelp said:
(a) Calculate the concentration of NO (in molecules/cm3) that can exist in equilibrium in air at 25°C.
...
I have calculated the partial pressure of NO to be 1.26x10-16
The number you have calculated for p(NO) is correct, though you are missing the units. What you need to do is convert partial pressure into molecules per cc.

Hint: Ideal gas equation.
 
I'm sorry - I am trying to convert partial pressure to concentration.

Using the Ideal gas equation, PV=nRT, do I use n=2, solve for volume, and then convert to molecules per cm^3?
 
needphyshelp said:
I'm sorry - I am trying to convert partial pressure to concentration.
That's right.

Using the Ideal gas equation, PV=nRT, do I use n=2, solve for volume, and then convert to molecules per cm^3?
No, the stoichiometry doesn't matter anymore.

Hint: You can find the molecules per cc if you first find the moles per unit volume, i.e., n/V
 
I still am not getting the correct answer. I don't know what I'm missing.

PV=nRT = 1.3E-16(V)=n(.08206)(298) so moles/L = 5.32E-18. I then converted it to moles/cm3 by dividing by 1000, which gave me 5.32E-21 then multiplied by Avogadro's number to get 3203.7 molecules/cm3.

I also tried converting atmospheres to bars and using the gas constant 83.145 so that my answer would be in moles/cm3 and then converting from there, but that was not correct either.

Can you tell me what I am doing wrong?
 
How do you know it's wrong? It looks good to me.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K