Consider the following reversible reaction.
CrX2OX7X2−(aq)+HX2O(l)−⇀↽−2CrOX4X2−(aq)+2HX+(aq)
What will happen to the position of equilibrium and the value of Kc when more HX+ ions are added at constant temperature?
Position of equilibriumValue of KcA.shifts to the leftdecreasesB.shifts to the rightincreasesC.shifts to the rightdoes not changeD.shifts to the leftdoes not change
The answer given is D.
I understand that when more HX+ ions are added, the reaction shifts in reverse. So I've understood that this is known as having the equilibrium shift to the left, toward the reactants.
What confuses me is why Kc doesn't change. If the equilibrium shifts to the left, I suppose that must mean more reactants are formed in relation to the products, so Kc would decrease.
But the answer key says that Kc remains unchanged. This is coherent with what I've been taught, but I don't understand how the equilibrium can change yet have Kc remain constant.
I'm just afraid I've got some of the theory mixed up, so I wanted to get some clarity. Could someone explain this please?
Answer
Kc is related to the ratio of reactants to products at equilibrium.
If the reaction is currently at equilibrium, and you add more products then the reaction is now out of equilibrium and the reverse reaction will happen until it is back in equilibrium.
I don't like the wording of "equilibrium shifts to the left" myself, I would say that reverse reactions occurs to restore equilibrium. But Kc doesn't change based on reactants/products concentrations since its the ratio at equilibrium. Kc will normally depend on temperature though.
Based on the options you have, Kc not changing and the reverse reaction occurring, the closest answer would be D. (If you take equilibrium shifting to the left to mean the reaction goes in that direction.)
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