Question Details

In which of the following equilibria, Kp and Kc are NOT equal?

Options

A

P C l 5 (   g ) P C l 3 (   g ) + C l 2 (   g )

B

H 2 (   g ) + I 2 (   g ) 2 H I ( g )

C

C O ( g ) + H 2 O ( g ) C O 2 (   g ) + H 2 (   g )

D

2 B r C l ( g ) B r 2 (   g ) + C l 2 (   g )

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

P C l 5 (   g ) P C l 3 (   g ) + C l 2 (   g )

PCl₅(g) ⇌ PCl₃(g) + Cl₂(g)

Solution :

The relationship between the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of partial pressures (Kp) and the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of molar concentrations (Kc) is given by the following equation:
Kp = Kc (RT)Δng
where:
R is the universal gas constant,
T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin, and
Δng is the change in the number of moles of gaseous products and gaseous reactants:
Δng = nproducts (g) - nreactants (g)

For Kp and Kc to be equal:
(RT)Δng = 1
which occurs when Δng=0.
Conversely, Kp and Kc are NOT equal when Δng0.

Let us evaluate Δng for each given option:

Option 1: PCl5(g)PCl3(g)+Cl2(g)
• Gaseous moles of products = 1 (from PCl3) + 1 (from Cl2) = 2
• Gaseous moles of reactants = 1 (from PCl5)
Δng=2-1=1
Since Δng0, KpKc for this reaction.

Option 2: H2(g)+I2(g)2HI(g)
• Gaseous moles of products = 2
• Gaseous moles of reactants = 1 + 1 = 2
Δng=2-2=0
Here, Kp=Kc.

Option 3: CO(g)+H2O(g)CO2(g)+H2(g)
• Gaseous moles of products = 1 + 1 = 2
• Gaseous moles of reactants = 1 + 1 = 2
Δng=2-2=0
Here, Kp=Kc.

Option 4: 2BrCl(g)Br2(g)+Cl2(g)
• Gaseous moles of products = 1 + 1 = 2
• Gaseous moles of reactants = 2
Δng=2-2=0
Here, Kp=Kc.

Therefore, the equilibrium in which Kp and Kc are not equal is:
PCl5(g) PCl3(g) + Cl2(g)

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