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Ch.19 - Chemical Thermodynamics
Chapter 19, Problem 97b

(b) Based on your general chemical knowledge, predict which of these reactions will have K>1. (i) 2 Mg(s) + O2 (g) ⇌ 2 MgO(s) (ii) 2 KI(s) ⇌ 2 K(g) + I2(g) (iii) Na2(g) ⇌ 2 Na(g) (iv) 2 V2O5(s) ⇌ 4 V(s) + 5 O2(g)

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Equilibrium Constant (K)

The equilibrium constant (K) quantifies the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction at a specific temperature. A K value greater than 1 indicates that products are favored at equilibrium, while a K value less than 1 suggests that reactants are favored. Understanding K helps predict the direction of a reaction and its extent.
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Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG)

Gibbs free energy (ΔG) is a thermodynamic potential that predicts the spontaneity of a reaction. A negative ΔG indicates that a reaction is spontaneous and will proceed in the forward direction, often correlating with a K value greater than 1. Conversely, a positive ΔG suggests non-spontaneity, aligning with a K value less than 1.
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Phase States and Their Influence on K

The phase states of reactants and products (solid, liquid, gas) significantly influence the equilibrium constant. Only gases and solutes in solution are included in the K expression, while solids and liquids are omitted. Recognizing the phase states helps in determining the correct K value and understanding how changes in conditions affect the equilibrium position.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Consider the following three reactions: (i) Ti(s) + 2 Cl2(g) → TiCl4(1g) (ii) C2H6(g) + 7 Cl2(g) → 2 CCl4(g) + 6 HCl(g) (iii) BaO(s) + CO2(g) → BaCO3(s) (c) For each of the reactions, predict the manner in which the change in free energy varies with an increase in temperature.

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Textbook Question

Using the data in Appendix C and given the pressures listed, calculate Kp and ΔG for each of the following reactions: (c) N2H4(g) → N2(g) + 2 H2(g) PN2H4 = 0.5 atm, PN2 = 1.5 atm, PH2 = 2.5 atm

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Textbook Question

(a) For each of the following reactions, predict the sign of ΔH° and ΔS° without doing any calculations. (i) 2 Mg(s) + O2 (g) ⇌ 2 MgO(s) (ii) 2 KI(s) ⇌ 2 K(g) + I2(g) (iii) Na2(g) ⇌ 2 Na(g) (iv) 2 V2O5(s) ⇌ 4 V(s) + 5 O2(g)

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Textbook Question

The oxidation of glucose (C6H12O6) in body tissue produces CO2 and H2O. In contrast, anaerobic decomposition, which occurs during fermentation, produces ethanol (C2H5OH) and CO2.

(a) Using data given in Appendix C, compare the equilibrium constants for the following reactions:

C6H12O6(s) + 6 O2(g) ⇌ 6 CO2(g) + 6 H2O(l)

C6H12O6(s) ⇌ 2 C2H5OH(l) + 2 CO2(g)

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Textbook Question

The oxidation of glucose (C6H12O6) in body tissue produces CO2 and H2O. In contrast, anaerobic decomposition, which occurs during fermentation, produces ethanol (C2H5OH) and CO2.

(b) Compare the maximum work that can be obtained from these processes under standard conditions.

C6H12O6(s) + 6 O2(g) ⇌ 6 CO2(g) + 6 H2O(l)

C6H12O6(s) ⇌ 2 C2H5OH(l) + 2 CO2(g)

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Textbook Question

The conversion of natural gas, which is mostly methane, into products that contain two or more carbon atoms, such as ethane (C2H6), is a very important industrial chemical process. In principle, methane can be converted into ethane and hydrogen: 2 CH4(g) → C2H6(g) + H2(g) In practice, this reaction is carried out in the presence of oxygen: 2 CH4(g) + 12 O2(g) → C2H6(g) + H2O(g) (b) Is the difference in ΔG° for the two reactions due primarily to the enthalpy term (ΔH) or the entropy term (-TΔS)?

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