AP Chemistry : Equilibrium Constant and Reaction Quotient

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Chemical Equilibrium

Which of the following can always be determined based on the equation itself?

Possible Answers:

The equilibrium constant expression

The concentration of products

The rate law

The concentration of reactants

Correct answer:

The equilibrium constant expression

Explanation:

According to the law of mass action, the equilibrium constant expression can always be written given the equation of the reaction itself. The equilibrium-constant expression will be written as the products over the reactants, each raised to their respectively stoichiometric coefficient. The rate law and concentrations can only be determined if there is additional data given.

Example Question #1 : Chemical Equilibrium

What is the difference between the reaction quotient and the equilibrium constant?

Possible Answers:

The equilibrium constant is valid only at equilibrium, and the reaction quotient can be calculated at any given moment in the reaction.

There is no difference between the two.

The reaction quotient  is valid only at equilibrium, and the equilibrium constant can be calculated at any given moment in the reaction.

The reaction quotient is equivalent to the rate law.

Correct answer:

The equilibrium constant is valid only at equilibrium, and the reaction quotient can be calculated at any given moment in the reaction.

Explanation:

The correct answer gives the accurate definition of both the equilibrium constant and the reaction quotient. 

Example Question #1 : Equilibrium Constant And Reaction Quotient

The law of mass action gives an expression that is specific for a certain __________.

Possible Answers:

pressure

physical state

temperature

volume

Correct answer:

temperature

Explanation:

Equilibrium expressions are specific for certain temperatures. Physical state, pressure, and volume do not factor into the expression. 

Example Question #51 : Reactions And Equilibrium

Why do the concentrations of pure liquids and solids not appear in the equilibrium constant expression?

Possible Answers:

Their concentrations change too quickly to be accounted for.

They are not present in the mixture at equilibrium.

They are completely consumed before the reaction reaches equilibrium.

Their concentrations don't change over the course of the reaction.

Correct answer:

Their concentrations don't change over the course of the reaction.

Explanation:

This is one of the properties of the law of mass action—the concentrations of pure solids and liquids don't change over the course of the reaction. 

Example Question #11 : Chemical Equilibrium

Which of the following is not a property of the law of mass action?

Possible Answers:

A system shifts to reduce applied "stress."

The larger the equilibrium constant (K), the farther to the right equilibrium lies.

The equlibrium constant is characteristic of a particular reaction at a certain temperature.

The concentrations of pure solids and liquids don't appear in the equilbrium expression.

Correct answer:

A system shifts to reduce applied "stress."

Explanation:

All of the statements are properties of the law of mass action, except for the answer, which is a statement of Le Chatelier's Principle.

Example Question #12 : Chemical Equilibrium

If the equilibrium constant lies farther to the right, this indicates that the reaction __________.

Possible Answers:

does not have a bearing on the reaction

includes a catalyst

is less complete

is more complete

Correct answer:

is more complete

Explanation:

The equilibrium constant is given by the concentraton of products over the concentration of reactants. If it lies to the right, it means that it favors the forward reaction, and thus the reaction is "more complete" or closer to completion.

Example Question #5 : Equilibrium Constant And Reaction Quotient

What is the equilbrium constant for a reaction written in reverse if the forward reaction has constant K?

Possible Answers:

2K

4K

1/K

K/2

Correct answer:

1/K

Explanation:

This is one of the properties of the law of mass action. The equilbrium constant for a reaction written in reverse is 1/K.

Example Question #2 : Equilibrium

Which of the following factors will change the equilibrium constant, Keq?

Possible Answers:

Introducing additional reactants

Introducing additional products

Change in temperature

Change in solvent volume

Adding a chemical that will cause side reactions

Correct answer:

Change in temperature

Explanation:

The only factor that changes the equilibrium constant is temperature. Changes in concentration of reactants or products by any means (whether addition, taking away solvent, or adding a chemical that will cause side reactions) will remove the system from equilibrium, but will not change the equilibrium constant.

Example Question #51 : Reactions And Equilibrium

Consider the following reaction.

What is the reaction quotient if ?

Possible Answers:

There is not enough information to answer this question

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The reaction quotient, or Q, of the above reaction is equal to the products over the reactants. Q is calculated in the same manner as Keq, but does not require that the reaction be at equilibrium.

 

Example Question #13 : Chemical Equilibrium

Consider the following balanced reaction.

Write the equilibrium constant expression for this reaction.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When writing an equilibrium constant expression, remember that products are on the top, and reactants are on the bottom of the expression. The coefficients for the compounds in the balanced reaction become the exponents for the compounds seen in the expression.

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