Chapter 17, Problem 17.60P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The implication of the word “constant” in the term equilibrium constant has to be explained. Also, the two reaction parameter that can be changed without changing the value of equilibrium constant has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Equilibrium constant K can be defined as the ratio of equilibrium concentration of product to reactant at a particular temperature.

Consider a reaction, a moles of A gives b moles of B as follows,

$\text{a A }\rightleftharpoons \text{ b B}$

The equilibrium constant for this reaction can be written as follows,

$\text{K = }\frac{{\text{[B]}}_{\text{eq}}^{\text{b}}}{{\text{[A]}}_{\text{eq}}^{\text{a}}}$

Where,

    $\begin{array}{l}{\text{[A]}}_{\text{eq}}^{}\text{= equilibrium concentration of A}\\ {\text{[B]}}_{\text{eq}}^{}\text{ = equilibrium concentration of B}\\ \text{ a = stoichiometric co-efficient of A}\\ \text{ b = stoichiometric co-efficient of A}\end{array}$

Equilibrium constant will have a specific value for a particular reaction at a particular temperature.