Question

Write the equilibrium expression for the following reaction. Based upon the value of K, would you expect more or less product to be in the equilibrium mixture? Why?

Answer 1

1. K = [CaCO3] [H2]⁴/ [CaO] [CH4] [H2O]²

2. More products are obtained at equilibrium since the equilibrium constant is very large.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Determination of the expression for the equilibrium constant, K.

The equilibrium constant, K for a given reaction is simply the ratio of concentration of the products raised to their coefficient to the concentration of the reactants raised to the coefficient.

The balanced equation for the reaction is given below:

CaO(s) + CH4(g) + 2H2O(g) —> CaCO3(s) + 4H2(g)

Therefore, the equilibrium constant, K for the above equation is:

K = [CaCO3] [H2]⁴/ [CaO] [CH4] [H2O]²

2. From the question given, the equilibrium constant is 2344.

Since the equilibrium constant is very large, it therefore means that more product are obtained at equilibrium.