Question

Consider the gas-phase reaction, 2 so2 + o2 <=> 2 so3, for which kp = 2 at a given temperature. If the mixture is analyzed and found to contain 2.2 bar of so2, 1.6 bar of o2 and 3.4 bar of so3, describe the situation:

Answer 1

The given reaction is

2 SO2 + O2 <=> 2 SO3, for which kp = 2 at a given temperature

Equilibrium constant = pSO3^2 / pSO2^2 X pO2

Q= (3.4)^2 / (2.2)^2 X 1.6 = 1.5

As Q< Kp

The reaction is not at equilibrium and reaction will go in forward direction