Question

For the reaction A b ������ 2c, where both the forward and reverse reactions are elementary processes and the equilibrium constant (K) is very large, which is present in a larger amount at equilibrium?

1) Reactants
2) Products

Answer 1

When the equilibrium constant for a reaction is very large, the reactants have a strong tendency to convert into products, meaning that at equilibrium, there will be more products than reactants.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the reaction A ⇌ 2C, if the equilibrium constant (K) is very large, this means there is a strong tendency for the reactants to form products. Since forward and reverse reactions are elementary processes, a large K value indicates that the forward reaction is favored, and thus more products are produced compared to reactants. At equilibrium, the reaction mixture will consist of essentially only products when K is much greater than 1, specifically greater than 10³. Conversely, a very small K value (<< 10⁻³) would indicate that fewer products; more reactants are present at equilibrium, as the tendency to form products is low, favoring the reactants.