Question

The formation of nitric oxide (N2(g) + O2(g) 2-way arrow 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.

Answer 1

@sshayer

Answer 2

sorry, i have no clue.I have forgotten.

Answer 3

negative powers in scientific notation make a number smaller.

Answer 4

Equilibrium constant expression for this reaction :
Kc = [NO]^2 / [N2] [O2]

Since Kc value is 4.7 × 10^-31, that's mean the numerator is larger than the denominator or product is smaller than reactant (as @mww said, negative powers make a number smaller).

So, we can conclude that this reaction will make a little of nitric oxide.

Answer 5

The student's reasoning is flawed. It's true that the bigger exponent of KC value, more nitride oxide produce. But in this case, KC value has negative power. So, more big the KC value, less nitride oxide will produce.