The equilibrium constant, K_p, for the reaction at 986 $\degree$C is 0.63. A rigid cylinder at that temperature contains 1.2 atm of carbon monoxide, 0.20 atm of water vapor, 0.30 atm of carbon dioxide, and 0.27 atm of hydrogen. Is the system at equilibrium?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine if the system is at equilibrium, we need to calculate the reaction quotient Qc and compare it to the equilibrium constant K. 
Qc is calculated as follows:
Qc = [CO2][H2]/([CO][H2O])
Substituting the given partial pressures, we get: 
Qc = (0.30)(0.27)/(1.2)(0.20) = 0.8445

Since Qc (0.8445) is greater than K (0.63), it means that the forward reaction is not at equilibrium and more reactants need to be converted to products until Qc equals K. Therefore, the answer is B.

The Equilibrium Constant, Kp, for the Reaction at 986 °\degree°

The Equilibrium Constant, K_p, for the Reaction at 986 $\degree$