Chapter U6.4, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The method to determine whether reactants or products are favored in an equilibrium mixture needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: For a reversible reaction, equilibrium is a state when both reactants and products have equal concentrations and it does not change with time.

An equilibrium reaction is represented as follows:

  $A+B\rightleftharpoons AB$

At equilibrium, the change in the concentration of A, B is same as change in concentration of AB. For example, if concentration of A and B decreases by x value, the concentration of AB will increase by x .

Explanation of Solution

An equilibrium reaction is represented as follows:

  $A+B\rightleftharpoons AB$

For the above reaction, the change in concentration of A and B is equal to that of AB.

For the above reaction, equilibrium constant can be represented as follows:

  $K=\frac{\left[AB\right]}{\left[A\right]\left[B\right]}$

Here, K is equilibrium constant.

If the value of K is more than 1 then product is favored in the reaction but, if the value of K is less than 1 then reactant is favored in the reaction.

Thus, if the value of K for an equilibrium reaction is known, it can be determined whether it is product or reactant favored.