Question

According to Le Chatelier's principle, when the reaction quotient is less than the equilibrium constant of a reaction, the reaction:

Option 1: Is in instantaneous equilibrium
Option 2: Will not come to an equilibrium
Option 3: Is in homogeneous equilibrium
Option 4: Is in a reaction that will not come to an equilibrium

Answer 1

When the reaction quotient (Q) is less than the equilibrium constant (K), according to Le Chatelier's principle, the system will shift in the forward direction to increase product concentrations until equilibrium is restored.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Le Chatelier's principle, when the reaction quotient (Q) is less than the equilibrium constant (K) for a reaction, the system will shift to increase the concentration of products. This means that the reaction will proceed in the forward direction until equilibrium is re-established, where Q equals K. Therefore, among the provided options, the correct one is not listed. The reaction is actually moving towards equilibrium rather than being in equilibrium or not reaching equilibrium at all.

Le Chatelier's Principle essentially provides a way to predict how a system at equilibrium will respond to changes in concentration, pressure, or temperature. If the stress involves only concentration changes, the value of K remains unchanged, and the system will shift in such a way that Q moves closer to K.