Consider the chemical system CO+Cl2-COCl2 ; Kc= 4.6*10^9. How do the equilibrium concentrations of the reactants compare to the equilibrium concentration of the product? a)they are much smaller. b) they are much bigger c) they are about the same d) they have to be exactly equal.

Question

Consider the chemical system CO+Cl2->COCl2 ; Kc= 4.6*10^9. How do the equilibrium concentrations of the reactants compare to the equilibrium concentration of the product? a)they are much smaller. b) they are much bigger c) they are about the same d) they have to be exactly equal.

jfraser · Answer

K is a ratio of products to reactants, so $$K_C = \frac{products}{reactants}$$In this case, K is HUUUGE (10^9). The only way that ratio can be so large is if the products greatly outnumber the reactants.

The question is worded "reactants compare to products", so be careful about how you answer this one

anonymous · Answer

thank you:)