The value of the equilibrium constant \(K\) depends on which of the following (there may be more than one answer)? a. the initial concentrations of the reactants b. the initial concentrations of the products c. the temperature of the system d. the nature of the reactants and products Explain.

Short Answer

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The value of the equilibrium constant (K) depends on the temperature of the system (c) and the nature of the reactants and products (d). It does not depend on the initial concentrations of the reactants (a) or products (b), as they only determine the position of the initial state relative to the equilibrium state. The temperature affects the value of K differently for exothermic and endothermic reactions, while the chemical identities and stoichiometry of the reactants and products determine the value of K under a given set of conditions.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Equilibrium Constant (K)

The equilibrium constant (K) is a value that helps us to predict the composition of a mixture at equilibrium for a given chemical reaction. For a general reaction of the form aA + bB <-> cC + dD, the equilibrium constant, K, can be written as: \(K = \frac{[C]^c [D]^d}{[A]^a [B]^b}\) where [A], [B], [C], and [D] are the molar concentrations of the species at equilibrium.
02

Evaluate Statement a

The initial concentrations of reactants (a) do not affect the value of the equilibrium constant (K). The initial concentrations only determine the position of the initial state relative to the equilibrium state, but once the reaction has reached equilibrium, the constant K remains the same.
03

Evaluate Statement b

Similarly, the initial concentrations of products (b) do not affect the value of the equilibrium constant (K). The initial concentrations of products only determine the position of the initial state with respect to the equilibrium state, but once equilibrium is reached, the value of K remains unchanged.
04

Evaluate Statement c

The temperature of the system (c) affects the value of the equilibrium constant (K). For an exothermic reaction, increasing the temperature will shift the position of equilibrium in the opposite direction, favoring the reactants, and decreasing the value of K. Conversely, for an endothermic reaction, increasing the temperature will result in a shift towards the product side, increasing the value of K. It can be inferred that the value of K depends on the temperature for a given reaction.
05

Evaluate Statement d

The nature of the reactants and products (d) determines the value of the equilibrium constant (K). Different reactions will have different equilibrium constants at the same temperature. The chemical identities and the stoichiometry of the species participating in the reaction determine the value of K under a given set of conditions. In conclusion, the value of the equilibrium constant (K) depends on: - The temperature of the system (c) - The nature of the reactants and products (d)

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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