Final answer:
When the value of Kc is close to 1, it shows that there is a balanced concentration of reactants and products at equilibrium, with neither being favored. A Kc much greater than 1 or less than 1 indicates a preference for products or reactants, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the value of Kc is close to 1, it signifies a condition where the molar concentrations of the reactants and the products at equilibrium are nearly the same. Notably, the equilibrium constant Kc is calculated by dividing the concentration of the products by the concentration of the reactants. Therefore, a Kc value of about 1 implies that neither reactants nor products are favored; the system is in a state of moderately balanced equilibrium.
If Kc is significantly greater than 1, this suggests a higher concentration of products at equilibrium, indicating that the reaction tends to form products preferentially. Conversely, a Kc value markedly less than 1 would mean there is a greater concentration of reactants, suggesting the equilibrium favors the reactants and the reaction does not proceed towards the products as readily.