Equilibrium constant question?

In summary: CO2] = 0.0685 M, [H2O] = 0.210 M, [H2] = 0.0685 MSo in summary, to find the equilibrium constant (Kc) for the reaction CO2 + H2 <-> CO + H2O, with initial concentrations of 0.229 mol CO2, 0.229 mol H2, and 0.328 mol H2O in a 2.0 L container, the equilibrium concentration of H2O is 0.210 M. To calculate Kc, use the formula Kc=Products/reactants raised to their stoichiometric coefficients, and make sure to carry out the arithmetic to full precision
  • #1
Raul3140
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Equilibrium constant question?

Homework Statement


A mixture of 0.229 mol CO2, 0.229 mol of H2, and 0.328 mol of H2O are placed in a 2.0 L container. The following equilibrium is established:
CO2 + H2 <-> CO + H2O. The equilibrium concentration of H2O is 0.210 M. Calculate the equilibrium constant (Kc)


Homework Equations



Kc=Products/reactants...raised to their stochiometric coefficients.



The Attempt at a Solution



I keep getting 2.011 I used the stochiometric relationship to determine the changes in concentration.

The answer is supposed to be 2.06
 
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  • #2


I got 2.06 , or 2.0587 to be exact.

If you are that close you have probably not made any great mistake of principle.

Have you carried through the arithmetic to full precision at each stage?

Your equilibrium [CO2] and [H2] are equal? (0.0685 M)

One thing you may find profitable is instead of going through your work, you totally recalculate without looking at it. It goes a lot faster this time which boosts confidence. But perhaps you have already done that.
If there is a small arithmetical error only it will lose you very few marks if any in most sensible exams etc.

Checking whether your equilibrium [H2] + [H2O] adds up to the initial sum as it should, and similarly for the other pair might localise any error.
[CO] = 0.046 M
 
Last edited:

Related to Equilibrium constant question?

1. What is the equilibrium constant?

The equilibrium constant, denoted by K, is a measure of the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium for a chemical reaction. It indicates the extent to which a reaction will proceed towards products or reactants.

2. How is the equilibrium constant calculated?

The equilibrium constant is calculated by taking the concentrations of products and dividing them by the concentrations of reactants, each raised to their respective stoichiometric coefficients. The resulting equation is K = [C]^c[D]^d / [A]^a[B]^b, where A, B, C, and D are the reactants and products, and a, b, c, and d are their respective stoichiometric coefficients.

3. What does a high and low equilibrium constant value indicate?

A high equilibrium constant (K > 1) indicates that products are favored at equilibrium, meaning the reaction will proceed towards products. A low equilibrium constant (K < 1) indicates that reactants are favored at equilibrium, meaning the reaction will proceed towards reactants. An equilibrium constant value of 1 indicates that the reaction is at equilibrium with equal amounts of products and reactants.

4. How does temperature affect the equilibrium constant?

The equilibrium constant is dependent on temperature. A change in temperature can shift the equilibrium towards products or reactants, resulting in a change in the equilibrium constant. In general, an increase in temperature favors the endothermic reaction, while a decrease in temperature favors the exothermic reaction.

5. Can the equilibrium constant be changed?

The equilibrium constant is a characteristic of a specific chemical reaction at a specific temperature. It cannot be changed, but it can be affected by changes in temperature, pressure, or concentrations of reactants and products. The equilibrium constant can also be manipulated by altering the reaction conditions, such as using a catalyst or changing the volume of the reaction vessel.

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