Question

The equilibrium constant, kp, equals 3.40 at 25°c for the isomerization reaction: cis-2-butene ⇌ trans-2-butene. if a flask initially contains 1.00 atm of each gas, in what direction will the system shift to reach equilibrium?

Answer 1

Answer:

The reaction will proceed to the right (favoring the products).

Explanation:

Let's consider the following isomerization reaction.

cis-2-butene ⇌ trans-2-butene

To predict in what direction will shift to reach equilibrium, we have to calculate the reaction quotient (Qp).

$Qp=\frac{p(trans-2-butene)}{p(cis-2-butene)} =\frac{1.00}{1.00} =1.00$

Since Qp (1.00) < Kp (3.40), the reaction will proceed to the right, so that the pressure of the product increases, the pressure of the reactant decreases, and Qp reaches the value of Kp.

Answer 2

1.00 atm of each gas, in what direction will the system shift to reach equilibrium