The reaction 2 AsH31g2 ∆ As21g2 + 3 H21g2 has Kp = 7.2 * 107 at 1073 K. At the same temperature, what is Kp for each of the following reactions? (a) As21g2 + 3 H21g2 ∆ 2 AsH31g2

Key Concepts

Equilibrium Constant (Kp)

The equilibrium constant, Kp, is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the partial pressures of the products to the reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction at a specific temperature. It is calculated using the formula Kp = (P_products) / (P_reactants), where P represents the partial pressures. A larger Kp indicates a greater concentration of products at equilibrium, while a smaller Kp suggests a higher concentration of reactants.

Reaction Quotient (Q)

The reaction quotient, Q, is similar to the equilibrium constant but is calculated using the current concentrations or partial pressures of the reactants and products, regardless of whether the system is at equilibrium. By comparing Q to Kp, one can determine the direction in which a reaction will proceed to reach equilibrium. If Q < Kp, the reaction will shift to the right (toward products), while if Q > Kp, it will shift to the left (toward reactants).

Reversing Reactions and Kp

When a chemical reaction is reversed, the equilibrium constant for the new reaction is the inverse of the original reaction's equilibrium constant. For example, if the original reaction has Kp = 7.2 * 10^7, then the equilibrium constant for the reverse reaction will be Kp' = 1 / (7.2 * 10^7). This principle is essential for calculating Kp for different reactions derived from a known reaction.