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Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium
Chapter 15, Problem 21

If 𝐾𝑐 = 0.042 for PCl3(𝑔) + Cl2(𝑔) β‡Œ PCl5(𝑔) at 500 K, what is the value of 𝐾𝑝 for this reaction at this temperature?

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1
Identify the balanced chemical equation for the reaction: PCl3(g) + Cl2(g) β‡Œ PCl5(g).
Note that the reaction involves gases, and the relationship between Kc and Kp is given by the equation Kp = Kc(RT)Ξ”n, where Ξ”n is the change in moles of gas (moles of products - moles of reactants), R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature in Kelvin.
Calculate Ξ”n for the reaction: Ξ”n = moles of PCl5 - (moles of PCl3 + moles of Cl2) = 1 - (1 + 1) = -1.
Substitute the values into the equation for Kp: Kp = Kc(RT)Ξ”n = 0.042(RT)-1. Here, R is typically 0.0821 LΒ·atm/KΒ·mol, and T is given as 500 K.
Calculate Kp using the values of R, T, and Ξ”n to find the effect of the negative exponent on (RT).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Equilibrium Constants

Equilibrium constants, denoted as Kc for concentrations and Kp for partial pressures, quantify the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium. Kc is used when dealing with molar concentrations, while Kp is applicable for gases and is expressed in terms of their partial pressures. The relationship between Kc and Kp is crucial for converting between these two forms, especially when dealing with gaseous reactions.
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Relationship Between Kc and Kp

The relationship between Kc and Kp is given by the equation Kp = Kc(RT)^(Ξ”n), where R is the ideal gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and Ξ”n is the change in moles of gas (moles of products minus moles of reactants). This equation allows for the conversion of Kc to Kp and vice versa, depending on the conditions of the reaction. Understanding this relationship is essential for solving equilibrium problems involving gases.
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Change in Moles of Gas (Ξ”n)

Ξ”n represents the difference in the number of moles of gaseous products and reactants in a chemical reaction. It is calculated by subtracting the total moles of reactants from the total moles of products. This value is critical in the Kp and Kc relationship, as it influences the conversion factor (RT)^(Ξ”n) when calculating the equilibrium constant for a reaction involving gases.
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