Consider the reversible reaction Y₂(g) ⇌ 2 Y(g) at a temperature where .
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · A Level · Chemistry · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc) · Chemical equilibria (Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc)
Problem
Consider the reversible reaction
Y₂(g) ⇌ 2 Y(g)
at a temperature where logKc=−1.2.
(a) Convert the given logarithmic value to the numerical value of Kc. Show your work.
(b) Based on the magnitude of Kc, describe whether reactants or products are favored at equilibrium. Support your answer with reasoning that references the meaning of Kc.
(c) You are provided an empty box that will ultimately contain exactly 30 gas particles of the Y₂/Y mixture at equilibrium. Sketch or describe qualitatively (no exact numbers required) a particulate diagram showing a plausible distribution of Y₂ molecules and Y atoms that is consistent with the equilibrium constant you calculated.
(d) Explain how your diagram embodies the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium even though the overall particle counts remain constant once equilibrium is reached.