What is the relationship between Kc and Kp?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the relationship between the equilibrium constant Kc and the equilibrium pressure constant Kp, including how to approach problems involving these constants in the context of chemical reactions. Participants also explore specific questions related to calculating equilibrium concentrations and pressures based on given Kc values.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the relationship between Kc and Kp and seeks guidance on how to approach related questions.
  • Another participant provides the equation Kp = Kc * RT^Δn, noting that Δn represents the total change in the number of moles.
  • A participant suggests that for a specific reaction, the number of moles of products SO3 and NO can be assumed to be equal at equilibrium, questioning if this assumption is correct.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in calculating Kp from Kc without a given temperature, presenting a specific reaction scenario and initial conditions.
  • A later reply corrects the initial conditions for the reaction but still struggles to connect the values to the Kc without temperature information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the assumptions needed to solve the problems and whether the relationships between Kc and Kp can be established without temperature. No consensus is reached on the best approach to the specific problems presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to missing temperature information and assumptions about the reaction direction and mole ratios at equilibrium.

dnt
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what is the relationship between the equilibrium constant Kc and the equilibrium pressure constant Kp? I am given many questions that either give Kc and ask for partial pressures of gases or vice versa. what is the best way to approach these questions?


another question states given this equation:

SO2 + NO2 --> SO3 + NO

Kc=2.9

how much NO2 must be added to 2.2 mol of SO2 to make 1.3 mol of SO3 and equilibrium? I just don't know how to start this. any help would be appreciated. thanks.
 
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kp=kc*RT\Deltan ]\Deltan=total change in the no. of moles
 
what about the 2nd question? what i think needs to be done is to assume the number of moles for SO3 and NO is the same because both products are made in equal quantities at equilbrium - is that the correct assumption?

then i can plug all the numbers into the Kc equation and solve from there?
 
ok well how do i get Kp from Kc if no temperature is given?

A <--> 2B

initial partial pressure of A is 0 and initial partial pressure of B is 1 atm. they ask to find the equilibrium partial pressures of A and B and they give Kc value.

im pretty sure this is an ICE problem

for A: I=0, C=x, E=x
for B: I=2, C=-x, E=2-x

but my problem is i cannot find Kp to set up the equation (x)/(2-x)^2 = Kp...i am only given Kc=1.4

(is it safe to assume the reaction is going to the left, towards A, because the initial partial pressure of A is 0 therefore there isn't any A to start?)
 
bump:

found one correction i think:
for A: I=0, C=x, E=x
for B: I=2, C=-2x, E=2-2x

but still cannot connect these values (which are pressures) to a given Kc value without temperature. what should i try next?
 

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