CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Chemical Reactions · Chemical Reactions
Problem
A student sketches a diagram for the reaction Cl2(g)⇌2Cl(g). In the sketch, twelve yellow diatomic particles are labeled “Cl” and six green monatomic particles are labeled “Cl2.” Which statement best identifies the error in this representation?
(a) The diagram uses particles of different sizes, which is invalid for illustrating equilibrium.
(b) The total number of chlorine atoms is incorrect because there are fewer atoms than required by the balanced equation.
(c) The particle labels are reversed; diatomic particles should be labeled Cl2, and single atoms should be labeled Cl.
(d) Because both reactant and product are shown, the sketch cannot represent a system at equilibrium.