Predict the direction in which the equilibrium will lie for the reaction H₃PO₄ + NO₃^- $\rarr$ H₂PO₄^- + HNO₃ K_a(H₃PO₄)= 7.5 * 10^-3 A)to the right B)to the left C)in the middle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the reaction quotient (Q), which is calculated using the concentrations of the reactants and products at a particular point in time, the reaction is not at equilibrium. Q is greater than the equilibrium constant (K), which means that there are more products than predicted by the equilibrium position. To reach equilibrium, the reaction will shift to the left to consume some of the excess products and produce more reactants. Therefore, the equilibrium will lie to the left.

Predict the Direction in Which the Equilibrium Will Lie for the Reaction