Question

Select the best single answer. The water-gas shift reaction plays a central role in the chemical methods for obtaining cleaner fuels from coal: CO(g) + H2O(g) ⇌ CO2(g) + H2(g) At a given temperature, Kp = 2.7. If 0.13 mol of CO, 0.56 mol of H2O, 0.62 mol of CO2, and 0.61 mol of H2 are put in a 2.0−L flask, in which direction does the reaction proceed?

Answer 1

Answer:

The reaction will proceed to the left

Explanation:

Step 1: The balanced equation

CO(g) + H2O(g) ⇌ CO2(g) + H2(g)

Step 2: Data given

Kp = 2.7

Number of moles of CO = 0.13 mol

Number of moles of H2O = 0.56 mol

Number of moles of CO2 = 0.62 mole

Number of moles of H2 = 0.61 mol

Volume = 2.0L

Step 3: Calculate Q

Pco = 0.13 / 1.92  P

Ph2o = 0.56 / 1.92 P

Pco2 = 0.62/1.92 P

Ph2 =0.61 / 1.92 P

Q =  [CO2][H2] / [CO][H2O] = 5.2

Q > Kp  The reaction will proceed to the left

The reaction will proceed in the reverse direction in order to increase the concentrations of both CO and H2O and decrease that of CO2 and H2 until Q = K.