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Which of the following statements about the equilibrium constant, Kc, is true? For a given reaction, the value of K changes

a upon addition of a catalyst.
b. as the concentration of reactants decreases.
c. with temperature.
d. as products are removed by the system.

User Blachniet
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The true statement about the equilibrium constant is that its value changes with temperature. Changes in reactant concentration, adding a catalyst, or product removal do not affect Kc. The value of Kc alters due to temperature affecting the rate constants of the forward and reverse reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about the equilibrium constant, Kc, which is true is that the value of K changes with temperature. The equilibrium constant is primarily a reflection of the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction. It is important to understand that adding a catalyst, changing the concentration of reactants, or removing products does not change the value of Kc.

However, a change in temperature affects the rate constants for the forward and reverse reactions, and thus, can alter the value of the equilibrium constant. For example, for the Haber-Bosch process, increasing the temperature decreases the value of Keq, and decreasing the temperature increases it. The temperature-dependence of the equilibrium constant is a result of its mathematical relationship with the rate constants for the forward and reverse reactions, which vary with temperature according to the Arrhenius equation.

User Ashwin Prabhu
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