Doubt in chemical equilibrium question.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem related to chemical equilibrium, specifically the reaction between nitrogen and oxygen to form nitric oxide. Participants analyze the relationship between the equilibrium constant (Kc) and the concentration of products at varying temperatures, questioning the correctness of a provided answer in a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • The equilibrium constant expression for the reaction is given as Kc = [NO]^2 / ([N2][O2]), leading to the conclusion that a higher Kc indicates a higher concentration of NO.
  • One participant suggests that the answer should be E (the highest Kc) based on their reasoning, while the textbook claims the answer is A (the smallest Kc).
  • Questions are raised about the completeness of the problem information, including whether the volume of the reaction vessel is constant and if the same mixture is used for each temperature.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the textbook's answer and reaffirm their reasoning for why E is correct, suggesting that the problem likely assumes constant conditions aside from temperature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the correctness of the textbook answer, with some asserting that E is the correct choice based on their understanding of Kc, while the textbook states A is correct. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity of the textbook's answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify details about the reaction vessel's volume or the initial amounts of substances, which could affect the interpretation of Kc and the concentrations of the reactants and products.

pc2-brazil
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Homework Statement



For the chemical equilibrium N_{2(g)} + O_{2(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2NO_{(g)} , 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:
K_c = \frac{[P]^p}{[R]^r}
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:
K_c = \frac{[NO]^2}{[N_2][O_2]}
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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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
 
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:
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.
 

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