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Suppose for the reaction in the \"previous problem\" that [A] in the cell were 1

ID: 844057 • Letter: S

Question

Suppose for the reaction in the "previous problem" that [A] in the cell were 1*10-8 M and [B] were 5*10-4 M.

a) In which direction would the reaction proceed spontaneously?

b) What would be the final concentration of [A] and [B] at equilibrium?

I started with

[B]/[A] = (1*10-8) / (5*10-4) = 5*104

[A]+[B] = 5*104

but I don't know how to move on to the next step.

Please explain how you came up with the answers.

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***Previous problem

For the reaction A->B, delta G0'=-7.1kcal/mol. what is the equilibrium ratio of B/A at 37'C? (R=1.987cal/K-mol)

so I did

delta G0'= -RT*ln(B/A)

-7.1 kcal/mol =1.987 * 10-3 kcal/mol * 310K * ln(B/A)

ln(B/A) = 11.5

B/A = 101370

Explanation / Answer

(a)  Initially A=1*10-8 M and B=5*10-4 M

Reaction quotient, Q = B/A = 50000

Now, as you have already calculated,

At equilibrium,

Equilibrium constant, K = B/A = 101370

Since, K>Q the reaction will proceed in the forward direction.

(b) As you have already calculated,

At equilibrium, B/A = 101370 ....... Equation (1)

And initially A=1*10-8 M and B=5*10-4 M

Hence, A+B=5.0001*10-4 M ........Equation (2)

A+B remains constant throughout the reaction.

Solving equations (1) and (2),

A=4.93*10-9 M

B=5*10-4 M