The equilibrium constant expression for some important reactions describes the relationship between the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium. It is derived from the law of mass action, which states that the ratio of the concentrations of the products to the concentrations of the reactants is constant at a given temperature. For example, in the formation of an ester from an organic acid and alcohol in the aqueous phase, the equilibrium constant expression can be formulated based on the balanced chemical equation, reflecting the concentrations of the involved species at equilibrium
What does the equilibrium constant expression represent in a chemical reaction?
The equilibrium constant expression represents the ratio of the concentrations of the products to the concentrations of the reactants at equilibrium, as defined by the law of mass action
How are the coefficients of a balanced chemical equation represented in the equilibrium constant expression?
The coefficients of the balanced equation appear as exponents of the terms of concentrations in the equilibrium constant expression
What does a large equilibrium constant value indicate about a reaction?
A large equilibrium constant value indicates that the reaction is almost complete, meaning that the products are favored at equilibrium
In what phase does the formation of an ester from an organic acid and alcohol typically occur?
The formation of an ester from an organic acid and alcohol typically occurs in the aqueous phase
What happens to the equilibrium position if the concentration of reactants is increased?
If the concentration of reactants is increased, the equilibrium position shifts to the right, favoring the formation of products
What does the equilibrium constant expression relate?
a) Temperature and pressure
b) Concentrations of reactants and products
c) Volume and mass
d) Energy and entropy
Answer: b) Concentrations of reactants and products
In the equilibrium constant expression, the coefficients of the balanced equation appear as what?
a) Multipliers
b) Exponents
c) Divisors
d) Addends
Answer: b) Exponents
What does a large equilibrium constant indicate about a reaction?
a) The reaction is incomplete
b) The reaction is almost complete
c) The reaction does not occur
d) The reaction is at equilibrium
Answer: b) The reaction is almost complete
What happens to the equilibrium position if the concentration of reactants is increased?
a) It shifts to the left
b) It shifts to the right
c) It remains unchanged
d) It becomes undefined
Answer: b) It shifts to the right
Which of the following is true about the equilibrium constant at a given temperature?
a) It changes with pressure
b) It is specific and remains constant
c) It is always equal to 1
d) It varies with concentration
Answer: b) It is specific and remains constant