The oxidation of sulfur dioxide by oxygen to sulfur trioxide has been implicated as an important step in the formation of acid rain: 2 SO₂(g)+ O₂(g)⇌ 2 SO₃(g).If the equilibrium partial pressures of SO₂,O₂,and SO₃ are 0.564 atm,0.102 atm,and 0.333 atm respectively at 1000 K,what is K_p at that temperature?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equilibrium constant $K_p$ for the reaction is calculated using the formula $K_p = \frac{(P_{SO_3})^2}{(P_{SO_2})^2(P_{O_2})}$, where $P$ represents the partial pressures of the gases. Substituting the given values, $K_p = \frac{(0.333)^2}{(0.564)^2(0.102)} = 3.42$.

The Oxidation of Sulfur Dioxide by Oxygen to Sulfur Trioxide