Consider a chemical equation where the rate constant for the reverse reaction is

Question

Consider a chemical equation where the rate constant for the reverse reaction is greater than the rate constant for the forward reaction. a. Is the equilibrium constant greater than, equal to, or less than one? Explain your reasoning. b. Are the equilibrium product concentrations greater than, equal to, or less than the equilibrium reactant concentrations? c. Is the activation barrier for the forward reaction greater than, equal to, or less than the activation barrier for the reverse reaction? Explain your reasoning.

Explanation / Answer

Hi,

a. Equilibrium constant will be less than 1, since greater rate constant of reverse reaction favors the formation of reactants.

b. Equilibrium product concentrations are less than equilibrium reactant concentrations, since Equilibrium constant will be less than 1 for greater rate constant of reverse reaction.

c. using Arrhenius equation, lnk=lnAEaRT or Ea= (lnA -lnk)RT

clearly, if k is greater, Ea will be lesser.

hence, activation barrier for forward reaction is greater than activation barrier for backward reaction.

Thank you

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.