Question

In which of the following cases will the LEAST time be required to arrive at equilibrium? K below refers to the equilibrium constant.1. Cannot tell since the time to arrive at equilibrium does not depend on K.2. K is a very large number.3. K is about 1.4. K is a very small number.5. Cannot tell without knowing the value of K.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (4) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

It is known that equilibrium constant is represented as follows for any general reaction.

                 $A + B \rightarrow C + D$

                   K = $\frac{[C][D]}{[A][B]}$

As equilibrium constant is directly proportional to the concentration of products so more is the value of equilibrium constant more will be the number of products formed.

As a result, more is the time taken by the reaction to reach towards equilibrium. Whereas smaller is the value of equilibrium constant more rapidly it will reach towards the equilibrium.

Thus, we can conclude that cases where K is a very small number will require the LEAST time to arrive at equilibrium.