What Is the Equilibrium Concentration of H2(g) at 1000°C?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the equilibrium concentration of hydrogen gas (H2) in the reaction 2H2O(i) <-> 2H2(g) + O2(g) at 1000°C, given the equilibrium constant (Kc) and initial concentration of water. The scope includes homework-related problem-solving and mathematical reasoning involving cubic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the reaction and initial conditions, leading to the formation of a cubic equation to determine the equilibrium concentration of H2.
  • Another participant suggests methods for solving the cubic equation, including guessing a solution, plotting the equation, or using the cubic formula, while noting potential roundoff issues due to the coefficients' magnitudes.
  • A participant reiterates the setup of the equilibrium expression, emphasizing the assumption that x (the change in concentration) is much smaller than the initial concentration of water.
  • There is a query about the use of different coefficients for x in the ice table, leading to a clarification that the equations should be equivalent despite the different approaches.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method of solving the cubic equation or the specific values used in the calculations, indicating that multiple approaches and interpretations exist.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the assumptions made in the equilibrium calculations, particularly the relationship between x and the initial concentration of water.

Coco12
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Homework Statement



consider the following reaction: 2H2O(i) <-> 2H2(g) + O2(g)

kc=7.3*10^-18 at 1000oC

The initial concentration of water in a reaction vessel is 0.055 mol/L. What is the equilibrium concentration of H2(g) at 1000oC?


Homework Equations


h20 h2 02
I 0.055 0 0
C -2x +2x +x
E0.055-2x 2x x


The Attempt at a Solution



The equation I got is:

-4x^3+2.92*(10^-17) x^2 -1.606*(10^-18) x +2.20825*10^-20 =0

How do I solve it if it is a cubic function?
 
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1. You can guess a solution.
2. You can plot the equation and use that to estimate a solution, which can be refined with iteration.
3. You can use the cubic formula, which is much more involved than 1. or 2.

Given the relative magnitudes of the coefficients, roundoff will be a problem in evaluating possible solutions.
 
Coco12 said:

Homework Statement



consider the following reaction: 2H2O(i) <-> 2H2(g) + O2(g)

kc=7.3*10^-18 at 1000oC

The initial concentration of water in a reaction vessel is 0.055 mol/L. What is the equilibrium concentration of H2(g) at 1000oC?

Homework Equations


h20 h2 02
I 0.055 0 0
C -2x +2x +x
E0.055-2x 2x x

The Attempt at a Solution



The equation I got is:

-4x^3+2.92*(10^-17) x^2 -1.606*(10^-18) x +2.20825*10^-20 =0

How do I solve it if it is a cubic function?
Assume that x amount of H2O gets used up. x amount of H2 and x/2 amount of O2 is formed.

You can assume that x is far smaller than 0.055. So you get the following equilibrium expression:

$$K_{eq}=\frac{(x)^2(x/2)}{(0.055)^2}$$

The assumption is based on the fact that the equilibrium constant is in powers of 10^(-13).
 
Last edited:
In my ice tables I used 2x but u used 1/2x.. Did I do it right?
 
You have chosen different substance for x, so your have different equations, They should be equivalent though.
 
Ok thanks
 

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