Equilibrium in a system containing I2 and I

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the equilibrium of iodine (I2) and iodine atoms (I) in a chemical system represented by the equation I2 <-> 2I. Participants confirm that both I2 and I contribute to the total pressure as partial pressures. The conversation highlights the use of mole fraction and volume composition for calculating individual contributions, with a consensus that mole fraction is generally appropriate. A key insight is that using stoichiometric coefficients can lead to confusion unless the reaction is complete with no limiting reagents.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical equilibrium concepts
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
  • Knowledge of mole fraction and its calculation
  • Basic principles of stoichiometry
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  • Research the application of the ideal gas law in equilibrium systems
  • Study the relationship between mole fraction and partial pressure in gases
  • Explore stoichiometric calculations in chemical reactions
  • Investigate conditions under which stoichiometric coefficients equate to mole fractions
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Kaushik
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Summary:: .

Consider a container consisting of I2 and I in equilibrium.
I2 <-> 2I (Is there any to write chemical equations here?)
Will both of them separately contribute to the total pressure (as partial pressures)?
If no, why?
If yes, should we use mole fraction or volume composition to calculate individual contribution? I thought mole fraction was the right approach but unfortunately, in this case, it did not yield the answer.
 
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Last edited:
Kaushik said:
Will both of them separately contribute to the total pressure (as partial pressures)?

Yes.

If yes, should we use mole fraction or volume composition to calculate individual contribution?

Most likely many ways to skin that cat, mole fraction should work OK.

I thought mole fraction was the right approach but unfortunately, in this case, it did not yield the answer.

Hard to comment not knowing what was the question, what was the answer given as a correct one, what you did nor what was the answer you got.
 
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Borek said:
Hard to comment not knowing what was the question, what was the answer given as a correct one, what you did nor what was the answer you got.
I think I just figured out the mistake. I took the ratio stoichiometric coefficients instead of the mole fraction.
Using ##PV = nRT## we can show that taking volume composition is the same as taking a mole fraction.

Yeah btw, one more question. Taking stoichiometric coefficients is same as taking mole fraction if and only if the reaction is of the form ##n(aA + bB -> cC + dD)##. Isn't it? Like mole of A is 'na', B is 'nb' and so on...So can we conclude it by saying that taking mole fraction is the same as stoichiometric coefficients if and only if there is no reactant left and everything is reacted completely (no limiting reagent)?
(it might be confusing...I couldn't express it properly. Hopefully, you will understand)
 
Not sure what you mean. Molar fraction is number of moles of the substance over total number of moles of all substances involved. In some cases it can be calculated with the help of stoichiometry, but that's not necessary - molar fraction of oxygen in the air is quite easy to calculate even if it doesn't react with any other atmosphere components.
 
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