Q.At 1127 K and 1 atm pressure, a gaseous mixture of CO and CO2 in equilibrium with soild carbon has 90.55% CO by mass C (s) + CO2
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Equilibrium Constant Calculation: From Intuition to Precision
Imagine you're at a party where people can move between two rooms. Some people prefer the kitchen (more snacks), others prefer the living room (better music). After a while, the number of people in each room stops changing — not because everyone froze, but because the rate of people leaving the kitchen equals the rate of people entering it. The system is in dynamic equilibrium.
Chemical reactions work the same way. A reversible reaction like
A+B⇌C+D doesn't stop when it reaches equilibrium. Instead, the forward reaction (making C and D) and the reverse reaction (making A and B) happen at the same rate. The concentrations of A, B, C, and D become constant — not equal, but constant.
The equilibrium constant K is a number that tells you where this balance lies. It answers the question: At equilibrium, which side of the reaction is favoured?
The Intuitive Idea
Think of a seesaw. If K is very large (say 106), the equilibrium sits heavily on the product side — almost all A and B have turned into C and D. If K is very small (say 10−6), the opposite is true: hardly any product forms. If K is around 1, both sides have comparable amounts.
So K is a ratio — a comparison of product concentrations to reactant concentrations at equilibrium, each raised to the power of their stoichiometric coefficients.
The Precise Statement
For a general reversible reaction at a given temperature:
aA+bB⇌cC+dD
the equilibrium constant Kc (for concentrations in mol/L) is:
Kc=[A]a[B]b[C]c[D]d
where [X] means the equilibrium concentration of species X in moles per litre.
The exponents come directly from the balanced chemical equation. If the coefficient of A is 2, you square its concentration. This is not optional — it's built into the definition.
What K Actually Depends On
K is constant at a given temperature. Change the temperature, and K changes. But K does not depend on:
- Initial concentrations
- Presence of a catalyst (catalysts speed up both directions equally)
- Pressure or volume changes (for Kc; Kp for gases has its own rules)
This is a critical exam point: if a problem gives you initial concentrations and asks for K, you must first find equilibrium concentrations — you cannot plug in initial values.
A Worked Example
Problem:
N2(g)+3H2(g)⇌2NH3(g)
At 500°C, equilibrium concentrations are:
[N2]=0.50 M, [H2]=1.50 M, [NH3]=0.20 M
Calculate Kc.
Solution:
Write the expression:
Kc=[N2][H2]3[NH3]2
Substitute:
Kc=(0.50)(1.50)3(0.20)2=0.50×3.3750.04=1.68750.04≈0.0237
The units cancel because the numerator and denominator both have units of (mol/L)2 and (mol/L)4 respectively — but by convention, Kc is reported without units. The numerical value is what matters.
Common Pitfalls
- Forgetting the exponents: A coefficient of 2 means square the concentration, not double it.
- Using initial concentrations: You must use equilibrium concentrations only. …
Concept: Equilibrium Constant Calculation — using the ideal gas law to convert mass percent data into molar concentrations at a given temperature and pressure.
Step 1: Determine the mole ratio from mass percent.
Let 100 g of mixture contain 90.55 g CO and 9.45 g CO₂.
Moles of CO = 90.55/28=3.234
Moles of CO₂ = 9.45/44=0.2148
Total moles = 3.234+0.2148=3.4488
Mole fraction of CO = 3.234/3.4488=0.9377
Mole fraction of CO₂ = 0.2148/3.4488=0.0623
Step 2: Find partial pressures.
Total pressure = 1 atm.
PCO=0.9377×1=0.9377 atm
PCO2=0.0623×1=0.0623 atm
Step 3: Calculate Kp and then Kc. …
Convert the mass ratio to a mole ratio, get partial pressures, compute Kp=PCO2PCO2=14.1, then Kc=Kp/(RT)≈0.153 mol L−1.
Reaction (carbon is a solid, so it does not appear in K):
C(s)+CO2(g)⇌2CO(g)
1. Mass % → moles (basis: 100 g of gas). 90.55 g CO and 9.45 g CO2:
nCO=2890.55=3.234 mol,nCO2=449.45=0.2148 mol
ntotal=3.449 mol
2. Partial pressures (Ptotal=1 atm, so Pi=xi×1 atm).
PCO=3.4493.234=0.9377 atm,PCO2=3.4490.2148=0.0623 atm
3. Compute Kp. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 19 on this concept.
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.An equilibrium mixture taken in 2 litre vessel of the reaction: 2SO2( g)+O2( g)⇌2SO3( g) has 4 moles of SO2,3 moles of O2 and 6 moles of SO3 then the value of equilibrium constant (Kc) will be: (A) 15 mol L−1 (B) 0.75 L mol−1 (C) 1.5 L mol−1 (D) 0.15 mol L−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The equilibrium constant Kc is found by plugging equilibrium concentrations into the mass-action expression. For this reaction, Kc=1.5L mol−1, so the correct option is (C).
The key idea is that Kc is defined using concentrations (mol/L), not moles directly. Even though we are given moles, we must first divide by the vessel volume (2 L) to get molarities. Then we substitute those into the equilibrium expression for the reaction.
Why this works:
The equilibrium constant is a ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations, each raised to the power of their stoichiometric coefficients. Because the reaction is in the gas phase and the volume is fixed, concentration is simply moles per liter. The value of Kc is constant at a given temperature, so we can compute it directly from the equilibrium mixture.
- Write the equilibrium expression For the reaction
2SO2(g)+O2(g)⇌2SO3(g)
the equilibrium constant in terms of concentration is
Kc=[SO2]2[O2][SO3]2
- Convert moles to concentrations The vessel volume is 2 L.
[SO2]=2 L4 mol=2.0mol L−1
[O2]=2 L3 mol=1.5mol L−1
[SO3]=2 L6 mol=3.0mol L−1
- Substitute into the Kc expression
Kc=(2.0)2×(1.5)(3.0)2=4×1.59=69=1.5
- Check the units …
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.Consider the gaseous equilibrium 2AB2( g)⇌2AB(g)+B2( g) The expression relating the degree of dissociation ( α ) and equilibrium constant ( Kp ) and total pressure P is: (A) (P2Kp)2 (B) (2PKp)1/2 (C) (2PKp)1/3 (D) (P2Kp)1/3
›Reveal solutionSolution
For 2AB2⇌2AB+B2 with small α, Kp≈2α3P, giving α=(P2Kp)1/3 — option (D).
We are asked to relate the degree of dissociation α, the equilibrium constant Kp, and the total pressure P for:
2AB2(g)⇌2AB(g)+B2(g)
Set up an ICE table. Start with 1 mole of AB2 and let α be the fraction that dissociates:
- AB2 remaining =1−α
- AB formed =α (stoichiometry: 2AB2→2AB)
- B2 formed =2α (stoichiometry: 2AB2→1B2)
Total moles at equilibrium:
ntotal=(1−α)+α+2α=1+2α
Partial pressures (each = mole fraction ×P):
PAB2=1+α/21−αP,PAB=1+α/2αP,PB2=1+α/2α/2P
Equilibrium constant: …
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-M1 markMCQQ.If the equilibrium constant for N2(g)+O2(g)⇌2NO(g) is 49 The equilibrium constant for the reaction NO(g)⇌21N2(g)+21O2(g) is ____ (A) 0.143 (B) 24.5 (C) 49 (D) 0.020
›Reveal solutionSolution
The equilibrium constant for a reversed and halved reaction is the reciprocal of the square root of the original constant. The answer is 491=71≈0.143, so option (A).
Concept & Intuition
Equilibrium constants are tied to the stoichiometry of the reaction as written. If you reverse a reaction, the new constant is the reciprocal of the original. If you multiply a reaction by a factor n, the constant is raised to the power n. Here we both reverse the original reaction and take half of it — so we combine both rules.
- Start with the given reaction and its constant
N2+O2⇌2NOK1=49
- Reverse the reaction Reversing gives:
2NO⇌N2+O2
The new constant is the reciprocal:
K2=K11=491
- Halve the coefficients The target reaction is:
NO⇌21N2+21O2
This is exactly the reversed reaction from step 2, but with all coefficients multiplied by 21.
When you multiply a reaction by 21, the equilibrium constant is raised to the power 21 (i.e., take the square root):
K3=(K2)1/2=(491)1/2=491=71
- Compute the numerical value
- KCET 2026Set D31 markMCQQ.For the reversible reaction, N2(g)+3H2(g)⇌2NH3(g). When the partial pressure is measured in atmosphere, the value of Kp at 500°C is 1.44×10−5. The value of Kc when the concentration is expressed in mol L−1 is: (A) (0.082×500)−21.44×10−5 (B) (8.314×773)−21.44×10−5 (C) (0.082×773)21.44×10−5 (D) (0.082×773)−21.44×10−5
›Reveal solutionSolution
Converting between Kp and Kc uses the relation Kp=Kc(RT)Δng, where Δng is the change in moles of gas across the reaction.
Step 1 — Find Δng
For N2(g)+3H2(g)⇌2NH3(g), moles of gaseous product = 2, moles of gaseous reactants = 1+3=4, so Δng=2−4=−2.
Step 2 — Write the relation
Kp=Kc(RT)Δng=Kc(RT)−2.
Step 3 — Solve for Kc …
- KCET 2025Set D-41 markMCQQ.Which of the following statements is/are true about equilibrium?(a) Equilibrium is possible only in a closed system of at a given temperature(b) All the measurable properties of the system remain constant at equilibrium(c) Equilibrium constant for the reverse reaction is the inverse of the equilibrium constant for the reaction in the forward direction. (A) Only b (B) Only c (C) a, b and c (D) Only a
›Reveal solutionSolution
Check each statement against the definition of chemical equilibrium — all three are true, so the answer is a, b and c.
Statement (a): "Equilibrium is possible only in a closed system at a given temperature." — TRUE.
A dynamic equilibrium needs both forward and reverse reactions to occur. In an open system, a product (e.g. a gas) escapes, the reverse reaction can never build up, and the reaction goes to completion instead. The value of K is also fixed only at a specified temperature.
Statement (b): "All the measurable properties of the system remain constant at equilibrium." — TRUE.
Equilibrium is dynamic: forward and reverse rates are equal, so there is no net change. Hence every macroscopic/measurable property — concentration, pressure, density, colour, refractive index — stays constant with time. …
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.For the reaction P+Q≤R+S, carried out at 298 K , the equilibrium constant was found to be 169 and the initial concentrations of all reactants and products was 1.0 M . What is the equilibrium concentration of the reactants? (A) 0.143 M (B) 0.462 M (C) 0.857 M (D) 0.698 M
›Reveal solutionSolution
With equal moles reacting and Kc=169, take the square root of the equilibrium expression: reactant concentration =1−x=71≈0.143 M — option (A).
For P+Q⇌R+S every species starts at 1.0 M and Kc=169. Since Kc>1 the reaction shifts right. Let x be the amount of P (and Q) consumed:
[P]=[Q]=1−x,[R]=[S]=1+x
Equilibrium expression
Kc=[P][Q][R][S]=(1−x)2(1+x)2=169
Take the square root (both sides positive)
1−x1+x=169=13
Solve for x
1+x=13(1−x)⇒1+x=13−13x⇒14x=12⇒x=76 …
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.For a reaction, A+B⇌2C 1.0 mole of A,1.5 mole of B and 0.5 mole of C were taken in a 1 L vessel. At equilibrium, the concentration of C was 1.0 mol L−1. The equilibrium constant for the reaction is x/15. The value of ' x ' is: (A) 32 (B) 22 (C) 18 (D) 16
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to set up an ICE table for the reaction A+B⇌2C, use the given equilibrium concentration of C to find the change, then compute Kc and match it to x/15 to find x=16.
We are given the reaction:
A+B⇌2C
Initial amounts (in 1 L vessel, so moles = concentration):
[A]0=1.0 M, [B]0=1.5 M, [C]0=0.5 M.
At equilibrium, [C]eq=1.0 M.
We need the equilibrium constant Kc, which is given as x/15, and we must find x.
Concept and Intuition
The reaction quotient Q will shift toward equilibrium. Since C increases from 0.5 to 1.0 M, the forward reaction is favored (more product forms). We track the change using stoichiometry: for every 1 mole of A and B consumed, 2 moles of C are produced. Let the change in concentration of A be −y; then B also changes by −y, and C changes by +2y. From the given final [C], we solve for y, then find equilibrium concentrations, and finally Kc.
Step-by-step solution
- Set up the ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) in molarity (since volume = 1 L):
Species Initial (M) Change (M) Equilibrium (M) A 1.0 −y 1.0−y B 1.5 −y 1.5−y C 0.5 +2y 0.5+2y - Use the given equilibrium concentration of C:
0.5+2y=1.0
Solve:
2y=0.5⇒y=0.25
- Find equilibrium concentrations:
[A]eq=1.0−0.25=0.75 M
[B]eq=1.5−0.25=1.25 M
[C]eq=1.0 M …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.S8 on heating at a temperature above 1000 K, changes to S2. When 1 mole of S8 is heated above 1000 K, the pressure falls by 32% at equilibrium. The equilibrium constant for the conversion is: (A) 4.50 atm3 (B) 2.55 atm3 (C) 3.20 atm3 (D) 3.94 atm3
›Reveal solutionSolution
For S8⇌4S2 with 32% conversion (α=0.32) starting from 1 mol at 1 atm, the equilibrium partial pressures are pS8=0.68 atm and pS2=1.28 atm, giving Kp=pS24/pS8=3.94 atm3.
The dissociation is
S8(g)⇌4S2(g)
Take 1 mol of S8 initially at total pressure 1 atm. Let the fraction dissociated be α=0.32 (the S8 pressure falls by 32%). At equilibrium (constant V,T, so pressure ∝ moles):
- n(S8)=1−α=0.68
- n(S2)=4α=1.28
- total =1+3α=1.96 …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-E1 markMCQQ.At 700 K, the Equilibrium constant value for the formation of HI from H2 and I2 is 49.0 . 0.7 mole of HI(g) is present at equilibrium. What will be the concentrations of H2 and I2 gases if we initially started with HI(g) and allowed the reaction to reach equilibrium at the same temperature? (A) 0.1195 (B) 0.3442 (C) 0.4692 (D) 0.521
›Reveal solutionSolution
Starting from pure HI, [H2]=[I2]=[HI]/Kc; with the paper's equilibrium data each equals 0.1195M - option (A).
The formation equilibrium is H2+I2⇌2HI with Kc=49.0 at 700 K, so
Kc=[H2][I2][HI]2=49.
Because the mixture is made by allowing pure HI to decompose (2HI⇌H2+I2), H2 and I2 are produced in equal amounts, so [H2]=[I2]=x. Then
x2[HI]2=49⟹x=49[HI]=7[HI].
This ratio is the robust result: each of H2 and I2 carries one-seventh of the HI concentration. Applying the paper's equilibrium data gives …
- KCET 2023Set D-21 markMCQQ.A weak acid with pKa 5.9 and weak base with pKb 5.8 are mixed in equal proportions. pH of the resulting solution is (A) 7.005 (B) 7.5 (C) 7 (D) 7.05
›Reveal solutionSolution
Equal proportions of a weak acid and a weak base give the salt of a weak acid–weak base; use pH=7+21(pKa−pKb).
Step 1 — Identify the system
Mixing a weak acid HA and a weak base BOH in equal proportions neutralises them completely, giving the salt BA of a weak acid and a weak base. Both ions hydrolyse:
A−+H2O⇌HA+OH−(makes it basic)
B++H2O⇌BOH+H+(makes it acidic)
Whichever hydrolysis is stronger decides the pH.
Step 2 — The formula and why it has this form
For such a salt the hydrogen-ion concentration works out to
[H+]=KbKwKa
Taking −log10 of both sides:
pH=21(pKw+pKa−pKb)
With pKw=14 at 298 K:
pH=7+21(pKa−pKb)
Notice a key feature: the result is independent of the concentration of the salt — the two hydrolyses scale together.
Step 3 — Substitute
pKa=5.9,pKb=5.8
pH=7+21(5.9−5.8)=7+20.1=7+0.05 …
- KCET 2023Set D-21 markMCQQ.For Freundlich adsorption isotherm, a graph of log (x/m) Vs. log (P) gives a straight line. The slope of line and its Y-axis intercept respectively are (A) log(n1),K (B) n1,logK (C) log(n1),logK (D) n1,K
›Reveal solutionSolution
Take log of the Freundlich equation and match it term-by-term with the straight-line form y=mx+c.
Step 1 — State the Freundlich adsorption isotherm
For a gas adsorbed on a solid at constant temperature,
mx=KP1/n(n>1)
where x = mass of gas adsorbed, m = mass of adsorbent, P = equilibrium pressure, and K, n are constants for the adsorbent–gas pair at that temperature.
Step 2 — Linearise it
The equation is a power law, so logarithms turn it into a straight line:
log(mx)=log(KP1/n)=logK+n1logP
Step 3 — Compare with y=mx+c
Plotting y=log(x/m) against X=logP:
ylog(mx)=slopen1XlogP+interceptlogK
- Slope =n1 — note it is 1/n itself, not log(1/n), because 1/n multiplies logP as a plain coefficient. …
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-E1 markMCQQ.The equilibrium constants for the reactions a,b, and c are as given: a) N2+3H2=2NH3:K1 b) N2+O2=2NO:K2 c) 2H2+O2=2H2O:K3 What would be the Equilibrium constant for the reaction: 4NH3+5O2=4NO+6H2O;Kx (A) Kx=K22 K33/K12 (B) Kx=K1/K2 K3 (C) Kx=1/K12+K22+K33 (D) Kx=K12/K2 K33
›Reveal solutionSolution
Therefore: Kx = K2^2 x K3^3 / K1^2
Concept: combine the given equilibria. Reversing an equation inverts K; multiplying an equation by n raises K to the power n; adding equations multiplies their K's.
Target: 4 NH3 + 5 O2 = 4 NO + 6 H2O
Build it:
- reversed and doubled: 4 NH3 = 2 N2 + 6 H2 -> K = 1/K1^2
- doubled: 2 N2 + 2 O2 = 4 NO -> K = K2^2
- tripled: 6 H2 + 3 O2 = 6 H2O -> K = K3^3 Add them: …
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