Chapter 6, Problem 17E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether $K$ depends on initial amounts of reactants or products mixed together and whether large values of $K$ indicate faster reaction or not should be determined and explained.

Concept introduction: Le Chatelier established the qualitative effects of change in concentration or partial pressure of reactant on reaction equilibrium.

It suggests that if a certain change in concentration of substrates occurs then reaction proceeds so as to minimize the effects of changes. This way the direction of equilibrium can be altered by various changes and yield of the desired product can be enhanced. For example, Le Chatelier has improved the synthesis of ${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$ by Haber’s process.

The equilibrium position can be achieved from either direction as it is independent upon the initial condition or manner the equilibrium has been established while equilibrium constant has a characteristic value at a characteristic temperature.