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Equilibrium Constants

Writing Kc and Kp expressions and their units

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Recall questions on which quantities go in the numerator, writing Kc from a balanced equation, deducing units by cancelling, writing Kp in terms of partial pressures, what a heterogeneous equilibrium is and which species are omitted, and worked expressions for named equilibria.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

In a Kc expression, which quantities are placed in the numerator?

Key term

Write the Kc expression for N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g).

Key term

Deduce the units of Kc for the equilibrium PCl₅(g) ⇌ PCl₃(g) + Cl₂(g).

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    In a Kc expression, which quantities are placed in the numerator?

    Model answer

    The equilibrium concentrations of the products, each raised to the power of its coefficient in the balanced equation.

  2. 2

    Write the Kc expression for N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g).

    Model answer

    Kc = [NH₃]² ÷ ([N₂][H₂]³).

  3. 3

    Deduce the units of Kc for the equilibrium PCl₅(g) ⇌ PCl₃(g) + Cl₂(g).

    Model answer

    Two concentration terms on top and one below leave one unit uncancelled, so Kc has units of mol dm⁻³.

  4. 4

    Write the Kc expression for H₂(g) + I₂(g) ⇌ 2HI(g) and state its units.

    Model answer

    Kc = [HI]² ÷ ([H₂][I₂]), and it has no units because the concentration terms cancel.

  5. 5

    Write the Kp expression for N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g).

    Model answer

    Kp = p(NH₃)² ÷ (p(N₂) × p(H₂)³).

  6. 6

    Deduce the units of Kp for N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g) when pressures are measured in atmospheres.

    Model answer

    The units are atm² ÷ atm⁴, which simplifies to atm⁻².

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