Question

In a chemical reaction, it is determined that the equilibrium constant is 0.213. Which of the following is a correct statement regarding this reaction?
There are more products than reactants at equilibrium.


The reaction will continue until no reactant remains.


There are more reactants than products at equilibrium.


The reaction has stopped completely.

Answer 1

Answer: There are more reactants than products at equilibrium.

Explanation:

1) The equilibrium constant is defined as the ratio of the constant of reaction for the forward reaction divided by the constant of reaction for the reverse reaction.

2) If the constant of reacton for the forward reaction is greater than the constant of reaction for the reverse reaction, then the equilbrium constant is greater than 1 and the equilibrium is reached at a point where there are more products than reactants.

This is not the case given that the equilibrium constant is less than 1.

3) If the constant of reaction for the forward reaction is less than the constant of reaction for the reverse reaction, then the equilibrium constant is less than 1 and at equilibrium there will be more reactants than products.


This is the case given, since the equilibrium constant is 0.123.

Therefore, the answer is: there are more reactants than products at equilibrium.