Aqueous solutions of phosphoric acid and sodium nitrite are combined, and the following equilibrium is established. H₃PO₄(aq) + NO₂(aq) ⇄ H₂PO₄(aq) + HNO₂(aq)
The equilibrium constant K_c for this reaction is greater than one. Based on this information, which of the following statements is correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equilibrium constant being greater than one indicates that the forward reaction is favored, meaning that the products are more stable than the reactants. In this case, the product H2PO4- (dihydrogen phosphate) is formed, indicating that H₃PO₄(aq) (hypophosphorous acid) is a stronger acid than HNO2 (nitrous acid), which would form NO2- (nitrite) as the product if it were the stronger acid. Therefore, option E is correct.

Aqueous Solutions of Phosphoric Acid and Sodium Nitrite Are Combined