Question

At 1000 K the value of Kp for the reaction 2 SO₃(g) ↔ 2 SO₂(g) + O₂(g) is 0.338. Calculate the value of Qp, and predict the direction in which the reaction will proceed toward equilibrium if the initial partial pressures are PSO₃ = 0.16 atm; PSO₂ = 0.41 atm; PO₂ = 2.5 atm.

Answer 1

To predict the direction in which the reaction will proceed, we calculate Qp as 16.41, which is greater than Kp, so the reaction will proceed towards the formation of SO₃(g) to reach equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the direction in which the reaction 2 SO₃(g) ↔ 2 SO₂(g) + O₂(g) will proceed toward equilibrium, we need to calculate the reaction quotient, Qp, and compare it to Kp. Since at 1000 K the value of Kp is given as 0.338, we can use the partial pressures provided:

• PSO₃ = 0.16 atm
• PSO₂ = 0.41 atm
• PO₂ = 2.5 atm

The reaction quotient Qp is calculated using the equation Qp = (PSO₂² × PO₂) / (PSO₃²).

Substituting the values we get:

Qp = ((0.41)� × (2.5)) / (0.16)�

Qp = (0.1681 × 2.5) / 0.0256

Qp = 0.42025 / 0.0256

Qp = 16.41

Since Qp is greater than Kp, the reaction will proceed toward the left, favoring the formation of SO₃(g) to achieve equilibrium.