A classmate asks for your help writing an equilibrium expression for the combustion of methane gas: CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) Imported Asset CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l). Explain to her why it is not meaningful to create an equilibrium expression or calculate an equilibrium constant for this reaction.

Question

A classmate asks for your help writing an equilibrium expression for the combustion of methane gas: CH4(g) + 2 O2(g)  Imported Asset  CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l). Explain to her why it is not meaningful to create an equilibrium expression or calculate an equilibrium constant for this reaction.

anonymous · Answer

This is not an equilibrium system. It is an open system and the reaction is not reversible.