The Equilibrium Constant

Mr. Anderson explains the concept of the equilibrium constant (K) using phosgene as an example. He discusses how K indicates the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium and demonstrates this with a PHET simulation. The video covers how to calculate K, the effect of temperature on K, and the implications of different K values on chemical reactions. A large K value means more products, while a small K value indicates more reactants. The video concludes with a summary of how K can predict chemical concentrations at equilibrium.

What is the primary purpose of the equilibrium constant in a chemical reaction?

• To find out the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium

• To measure the amount of energy released

• To determine the speed of the reaction

• To calculate the temperature of the reaction

In the context of the video, what does a large K value signify?

• The reaction favors the formation of reactants

• The reaction favors the formation of products

• The reaction is not occurring

• The reaction is at equilibrium

In the PHET simulation, what does a K value of 1 indicate?

• More reactants than products

• Equal amounts of reactants and products

• More products than reactants

• No reaction occurring

How is the equilibrium constant (K) expressed mathematically for a reaction?

• As the difference between reactants and products

• As the ratio of the concentration of products to reactants, each raised to the power of their coefficients

• As the sum of reactants and products

• As the product of the concentration of reactants and products

What happens to the equilibrium constant when the temperature is increased?

• It always increases

• It remains unchanged

• It always decreases

• It can either increase or decrease depending on the reaction

What effect does a high temperature have on the equilibrium position of a reaction with a small K value?

• Reaches equilibrium faster

• Shifts towards more products

• Shifts towards more reactants

• Remains unchanged

Why does lightning affect the K value in the formation of nitrogen oxide?

• It cools down the reaction environment

• It provides the energy needed to shift the equilibrium towards products

• It increases the concentration of reactants

• It decreases the energy required for the reaction