Chapter 15, Problem 15.87QP

The equilibrium constant K_p for the reaction

${\text{2H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(g\right)\rightleftarrows {\text{2H}}_{\text{2}}\left(g\right)+{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\left(g\right)$

is 2 x 10⁻⁴² at 25°C. (a) What is K_c for the reaction at the same temperature? (b) The very small value of K_p (and K_c) indicates that the reaction overwhelmingly favors the formation of water molecules. Explain why, despite this fact, a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases can be kept at room temperature without any change.