The formation of nitric oxide (N^2(g) + O^2(g) 2NO)g)has a Kc value of 4.7 � 10-31. A classmate claims that this reaction must really make a lot of nitric oxide since the exponent is such a large value. Explain to the student why her reasoning is correct or flawed.

Question

The formation of nitric oxide  (N^2(g) + O^2(g)  <---> 2NO)g)has a Kc value of 4.7 � 10-31. A classmate claims that this reaction must really make a lot of nitric oxide since the exponent is such a large value. Explain to the student why her reasoning is correct or flawed.

jfraser · Answer

is 10^-31 a large exponent, or a small one?

anonymous · Answer

it is a large one.

jfraser · Answer

10^-31 is incredibly small. The negative in front of the 31 means that you are taking the 4.7 and dividing it by ten 31 times. If you were to write 4.7x10^-31 in standard form, it would look like

0.00000000000000000000000000000047

So the reaction in question cannot produce a lot of nitric oxide product, because the value of Kc is incredibly small.