Part A An equilibrium constant with a value greater than 1 means the reaction favors the
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
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Correct Answer:
An equilibrium constant with a value greater than 1 means the reaction favors the products.
Explanation
In chemical reactions, equilibrium is the state where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, and the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant over time. The equilibrium constant, represented by KKK, is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction at a specific temperature.
For a general reversible reaction:aA+bB⇌cC+dDaA + bB \rightleftharpoons cC + dDaA+bB⇌cC+dD
The equilibrium constant KKK is given by:K=[C]c[D]d[A]a[B]bK = \frac{[C]^c[D]^d}{[A]^a[B]^b}K=[A]a[B]b[C]c[D]d
Where the square brackets indicate the concentrations of the chemical species at equilibrium, and the letters a, b, c, and d are the stoichiometric coefficients.
If K>1K > 1K>1, it means the numerator (products) is greater than the denominator (reactants), indicating that, at equilibrium, the concentration of products is higher than that of the reactants. Therefore, the reaction favors the products. This suggests that the forward reaction is more dominant, and the formation of products is more thermodynamically favorable under the given conditions.
Conversely, if K<1K < 1K<1, the reaction favors the reactants, meaning that only a small amount of products is formed before equilibrium is reached.
Understanding the magnitude of the equilibrium constant helps chemists predict the position of equilibrium and determine how far a reaction proceeds. However, it is important to note that while a large KKK value suggests product-favored equilibrium, it does not necessarily indicate a fast reaction. Reaction speed depends on kinetics, not the equilibrium constant.
In summary, an equilibrium constant greater than 1 indicates that, at equilibrium, products are present in greater concentrations than reactants, meaning the reaction favors the formation of products.
