Question

The equilibrium concentrations for the reaction between SO2 and O2 to form SO3 at a certain temperature are given in the table below. Determine the equilibrium constant and whether the reaction favors reactants, products, or neither at this temperature.

Answer 1

Option B. K = 1.3×10⁴, product favored

Step-by-step explanation:

Data obtained from the question include:

O2(g) + 2SO2(g) <==> 2SO3(g)

Concentration of O2, [O2] = 0.024 M

Concentration of SO2, [SO2] = 0.015 M

Concentration of SO3, [SO3] = 0.26 M

Equilibrium constant, K =..?

The equilibrium constant, K is simply defined as the ratio of the concentration of products raised to their coefficient to the concentration of the reactants raised to their coefficient.

The equilibrium constant for the above reaction can be written as

K = [SO3]² / [O2] [SO2]²

Inputing the values of [SO3], [O2] and [SO2] the equilibrium constant, K is:

K = [SO3]² / [O2] [SO2]²

K = 0.26² / 0.024 × 0.015²

K = 1.3×10⁴

Therefore, the equilibrium constant K is 1.3×10⁴.

Since the value of the equilibrium constant, K is large and positive, therefore, the reaction favours the product.