CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc) · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc)
Problem
The equilibrium constant for a reaction is K=8.0×102. A student rewrites the reaction so that all stoichiometric coefficients are divided by 2. Which statement most accurately describes how the numerical value of the equilibrium constant changes?
(a) It becomes the reciprocal because dividing coefficients is equivalent to reversing the reaction.
(b) It remains exactly the same because only the balanced equation changed.
(c) It becomes smaller because it is raised to a power less than 1.
(d) It becomes larger because it is squared when the coefficients are halved.