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Multiple Choice
Which side of the following acid/base reaction is favored at equilibrium?
A
Neither
B
It depends on the temperature.
C
Reactants
D
Products
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the acids and bases on both sides of the reaction. In this reaction, H2O acts as an acid and NH3 acts as a base on the reactant side, while OH- is the conjugate base and NH4+ is the conjugate acid on the product side.
Determine the strength of the acids and bases involved. Water (H2O) is a very weak acid, and ammonia (NH3) is a weak base. The hydroxide ion (OH-) is a strong base, and the ammonium ion (NH4+) is a weak acid.
Use the concept of acid and base strength to predict the direction of the equilibrium. The equilibrium will favor the side with the weaker acid and base. Since OH- is a stronger base than NH3, and NH4+ is a weaker acid than H2O, the equilibrium will favor the reactants.
Consider the position of equilibrium in terms of the equilibrium constant (K_eq). A reaction favors the side with the weaker acid and base, which corresponds to a smaller K_eq value for the forward reaction.
Conclude that the equilibrium is favored towards the reactants side, as the weaker acid (NH4+) and weaker base (OH-) are on the product side, making the reactants more stable at equilibrium.