Question

The equilibrium constant, K, determines the position of equilibrium in an esterification reaction. Which of these K values describes the most efficient reaction?

a) K = 0.0056
b) K = 5.4
c) K = 0.079
d) K = 1

Answer 1

The correct answer is "d) K = 1."

Step-by-step explanation:

This is because a value of K = 1 indicates that the reaction has reached equilibrium, meaning that the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal and the concentration of reactants and products is not changing. This is the most efficient state for the reaction because it means that the maximum amount of product has been produced with the least amount of reactant consumed. By contrast, values of K less than 1 indicate that the reaction has not yet reached equilibrium, and the concentration of reactants and products is still changing. This means that the reaction is not yet efficient, and more reactants will be needed to produce the same amount of product. Finally, values of K greater than 1 indicate that the reaction has passed equilibrium, and the concentration of products is starting to decrease. This means that the reaction is no longer efficient, and the excess products will be wasted.