True or False? An equilibrium constant K_c=1x10^7 for a reaction indicates that the reaction favors product formation.
True. An equilibrium constant (K_c) value larger than 1 indicates that the reaction favors product formation. In this case, a K_c value of 10^7 indicates a significant amount of products compared to reactants at equilibrium.
False.
The magnitude of the equilibrium constant, Kc, does not directly indicate whether the reaction favors product formation or not. The equilibrium constant reflects the ratio of the concentrations (or partial pressures) of the products to the concentrations (or partial pressures) of the reactants at equilibrium. However, it does not provide information about the extent or direction of the reaction.
To determine if a reaction favors product formation or not, we need to compare the actual reaction quotient, Qc, with the equilibrium constant, Kc. The reaction quotient, Qc, is calculated in the same way as the equilibrium constant, but it is calculated using the initial concentrations (or partial pressures) of the reactants and products, rather than at equilibrium.
If Qc < Kc, it means the reaction has relatively more reactants than products, and hence the forward reaction is favored. In this case, the reaction will proceed in the forward direction until it reaches equilibrium, where Qc becomes equal to Kc.
Conversely, if Qc > Kc, it means the reaction has relatively more products than reactants, and the reverse reaction is favored. In this case, the reaction will shift in the reverse direction until equilibrium is achieved.
If Qc = Kc, it means the reaction is already at equilibrium, with the concentrations (or partial pressures) of the reactants and products in the ratios specified by Kc.
Therefore, the magnitude of the equilibrium constant alone does not provide information about whether the reaction favors product formation or not. The comparison between Qc and Kc determines the direction in which the reaction will proceed to establish equilibrium.
Reason this out.
Kc = (products)/(reactants) = 1 x 10^7. So to obtain a number like 1 x 10^7, must the numerator be large or small? For example, look at these fractions.
1/100 = 0.01
10000/2 = 5000