Question

A student solved the following problem and found the equilibrium concentrations to be [SO2] = 0.590 M, [O2] = 0.0450 M, and [SO3] = 0.260 M. How could this student check the work without reworking the problem? The problem was: For the following reaction at 600 °C:

a) Verify if the concentrations satisfy the equilibrium constant expression.
b) Compare the concentrations with the initial concentrations.
c) Check if the reaction quotient Q is equal to the equilibrium constant.
d) Use a different temperature to recalculate the equilibrium concentrations.

Answer 1

A student can check equilibrium concentrations by using the equilibrium constant expression, comparing with initial concentrations, and verifying if the reaction quotient matches the known equilibrium constant; recalculating at a different temperature is not a valid check.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student can verify their calculated equilibrium concentrations by plugging them into the equilibrium constant expression for the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) = 2SO3(g). The expression for the equilibrium constant Kc is [SO3]2 / ([SO2]2 × [O2]). By substituting the given concentrations into this expression, the student can check if the result matches the known equilibrium constant for this reaction at 600 °C. If the results match, it's likely that their equilibrium concentrations are correct.

Comparing the calculated equilibrium concentrations with the initial concentrations can help determine the direction in which the reaction has shifted. If the reaction quotient (Q) equals the equilibrium constant (Kc), then the reaction is at equilibrium.