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Consider the following reaction and associated equilibrium constant: aA(g)+bB(g)

ID: 489438 • Letter: C

Question

Consider the following reaction and associated equilibrium constant: aA(g)+bB(g)cC(g), Kc = 3.0

part A :

Find the equilibrium concentrations of A, B, and C for a=1, b=1, and c=2. Assume that the initial concentrations of A and B are each 1.0 M and that no product is present at the beginning of the reaction.

Part B:

Find the equilibrium concentrations of A, B, and C for a=1, b=1, and c=1. Assume that the initial concentrations of A and B are each 1.0 M and that no product is present at the beginning of the reaction.

Explanation / Answer

A)
A(g)+ B(g) <-----> 2C(g)
1.0          1.0                    0    (initial)
1.0-x       1.0-x               2x (at equilibrium)

Kc= [C]^2 / {[A][B]}
3.0 = (2x)^2 / (1-x)^2
sqrt(3) = 2x / (1-x)
1.732 = 2x / (1-x)
1.732 - 1.732*x = 2x
x = 0.464 M

[A] = 1.0-x = 1.0 - 0.464 = 0.536 M
[B] = 1.0-x = 1.0 - 0.464 = 0.536 M
[C] = 2x = 2* 0.464 = 0.928 M

B)
A(g)+ B(g) <-----> C(g)
1.0          1.0                    0    (initial)
1.0-x       1.0-x               x (at equilibrium)

Kc= [C]^2 / {[A][B]}
3.0 = X / (1-x)^2
3(1-x)^2=x
3*(1 + x^2 - 2x) = x
3 + 3*x^2 -6x = x
3*x^2 - 7*x + 3 = 0
solving above quadratic equation for positive x,
x = 1.77 M and x = 0.57 M
x can't be greater than 1 as it will make [A] negative
so, x = 0.57 M

[A] = 1.0-x = 1.0 - 0.57 = 0.43 M
[B] = 1.0-x = 1.0 - 0.57 = 0.43 M
[C] = x = 0.57 M