Question

The equilibrium between carbon dioxide gas and carbonic acid is very important in biology and environmental science. CO2 ( aq) + H2O ( l) H2CO3 ( aq) Which one of the following is the correct equilibrium constant expression (K c) for this reaction?

a) K =[H2CO3]/ [CO2]
b) K=[CO2]/ [H2CO3]
c) K=[H2CO3]/ [CO2][H2O]
d) K=[CO2][H2O]/ [H2CO3]
e) K=1/[H2CO3]

Answer 1

Kc = [H₂CO₃] / [CO₂]

Step-by-step explanation:

Equilibrium constant expression (Kc) of any reaction is defined as the ratio between molar concentrations in equilibrium of products over reactants.

Pure solids and liquids don't affect the equilibrium and you don't have to take its concentrations in the equilibrium.

Also, each specie must be powered to its reactant coefficient.

For example, for the reaction:

aA(s) + bB(aq) ⇄ cC(l) + nD(g) + xE(aq)

The equilibrium constant, kc is:

Kc = [D]ⁿ / [B]ᵇ[E]ˣ

You don't take A nor C species because are pure solids and liquids. b, n and x are the reactant coefficients of each substance. Ratio of products over reactants

Thus, for the reaction:

CO₂(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ H₂CO₃(aq)

The Kc is:

Kc = [H₂CO₃] / [CO₂]