Is There an Error in My Equilibrium Calculations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equilibrium calculations for a chemical reaction involving sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), and sulfur trioxide (SO3). Participants are examining the application of the equilibrium constant and the 5% rule in determining equilibrium concentrations after mixing gases in a reaction vessel.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equilibrium constant (Kc = 85.0) and initial conditions for the reaction, detailing their calculations for equilibrium concentrations.
  • Another participant questions the mathematical accuracy of the calculations and asks where the 5% rule has been applied in the assumptions.
  • A third participant provides an alternative quadratic equation derived from the equilibrium expression, expressing uncertainty about mathematical rules and their application.
  • Another participant confirms the initial equilibrium expression is correct but suggests that an error occurs later in the calculations.
  • There is mention of the 5% rule, which is referenced as a guideline from a textbook, but its applicability to the current problem is questioned by participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the calculations or the application of the 5% rule. Multiple competing views regarding the calculations and assumptions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential errors in the mathematical steps taken by participants, and the discussion highlights the need for clarity on the assumptions underlying the 5% rule. Specific limitations in the calculations and the application of the rule are not fully resolved.

nuomi
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1.The equilibrium constant is Kc = 85.0 at 460°C for the reaction
SO2(g) + NO2(g)[tex]\Updownarrow[/tex]NO(g) + SO3(g)
If 2.24L SO2, 4.48 L NO2, 2.24 L NO and 3.36 L SO3 (ALL AT STP) are transferred to a 5.00 L reaction vessel and heated to 460°C, what will be the equilibrium molar concentrations?

2. because it is at STP it's safe to assume that 1 mole will equal 22.4 L, therefore I could divide all the initial volumes by 22.4L to get mol then divide by 5.00L to get mol L-1.
3. I made an initial, change, equilibrium chart.
SO2 NO2 NO SO3
I: .02, .04, .02, .03
C: -x, -x, +x, +X
E: .02-x, .04-X, .02+x, .03+x

Kc= CNOCSO3/CSO2CNO2
85= (.02+x) (.03+x)/(.02-x)(.04-X) -> 85= .0006+.05X+x2/.0008-.06x-x2 -> 85(.0008-.06x-x2)=.0006+.05X+x2-> .068-5.1x-85x2=.0006+.05X+x2-> 84x2-5.15x+.00674=0
-(-5.15) +-[tex]\sqrt{(-5.15)^2-4(84*.0674)}[/tex] divided by 2(84)
x=.0424, x=.0189

now when equated back into the calculations for equilib. concentrations
E: .0011, .0211,.0389,.0489
those numbers can't be correct because in order to be a valid assumption doesn't the number i got for x/by the initial given*100 have to be less than 5%...mine are not therefore there must be something mistaken in my calculations. can someone please explain this to me.
 
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nuomi said:
85= (.02+x) (.03+x)/(.02-x)(.04-X) -> 85= .0006+.05X+x2/.0008-.06x-x2 -> 85(.0008-.06x-x2)=.0006+.05X+x2-> .068-5.1x-85x2=.0006+.05X+x2-> 84x2-5.15x+.00674=0

Check your math.

those numbers can't be correct because in order to be a valid assumption doesn't the number i got for x/by the initial given*100 have to be less than 5%...

Where have you used assumptions that work if 5% rule is obeyed?
 
this is the other eq. that i got

-86x2-5.15x+.0674

-(-5.15) +- [tex]\sqrt{(-5.15)^2*4(-86*.0674)}[/tex] divided by 2(-86)


is there a rule of mathematics that i might not be following...i am a little rusty on algebra etc.
the 5% rule was out of my textbook but it doesn't seem to work on any of my other problems so i think there is something I'm not factoring into it.
 
85= (.02+x) (.03+x)/(.02-x)(.04-X) is OK, you make some error later.

State 5% rule.
 

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