Question

To calculate changes in concentration for a system not at equilibrium, the first step is to determine the direction the reaction will proceed. To do so, we calculate Q and compare it to the equilibrium concentration, K. We can then determine that a reaction will shift to the right if:__________

Answer 1

Answer:

We can then determine that a reaction will shift to the right if Q<K

Explanation:

Comparing Q with K allows to find out the status and evolution of the system:

• If the reaction quotient is equal to the equilibrium constant, Qc = Kc, the system has reached chemical equilibrium.
• If the reaction quotient is greater than the equilibrium constant, Qc> Kc, the system is not in equilibrium and will evolve spontaneously, decreasing the value of Qc until it equals the equilibrium constant. In this way, the concentrations of the products will decrease and the concentrations of the reagents will increase. In other words, the reverse reaction is favored to achieve equilibrium. Then the system will evolve to the left (ie products will be consumed and more reagents will be formed).
• If the reaction quotient is less than the equilibrium constant, Qc <Kc, the system is not in equilibrium and will evolve spontaneously increasing the value of Qc until it equals the equilibrium constant. This implies that the concentrations of the products will increase and those of the reagents will decrease. In other words, to achieve balance, direct reaction is favored. Then the reaction will shift to the right, that is, reagents will be consumed and more products will be formed.

In this case, we can then determine that a reaction will shift to the right if Q<K