Solid calcium carbonate decomposes at high temperature according to At 1010 K

CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · A Level · Chemistry · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc) · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc)

Problem

Solid calcium carbonate decomposes at high temperature according to

\text{CaCO}_3(s) \rightleftharpoons \text{CaO}(s) + \text{CO}_2(g)

At 1010 K, the equilibrium constant for the reaction is

K_p = 0.25\,\text{atm}

. A rigid 10.0 L container at 1010 K is filled with 0.200 mol of

\text{CO}_2(g)

along with excess solid

\text{CaCO}_3

and

\text{CaO}

already present so that the heterogeneous equilibrium can establish. (a) Write the equilibrium–constant expression appropriate for this reaction at 1010 K. (b) Determine the equilibrium partial pressure of

\text{CO}_2(g)

in the container after equilibrium is reached. Clearly indicate how you use the given information to arrive at your answer. (c) Calculate the mass of

\text{CaCO}_3

(in grams) that decomposes, if any, during the attainment of equilibrium. The molar mass of

\text{CaCO}_3

100.1\,\text{g mol}^{-1}

. State whether decomposition occurs and justify your conclusion quantitatively.

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