Is the percentage of sulfur dioxide that reacts with oxygen at this temperature relatively large or relatively small? How does the percentage of SO2(g) that reacts compare with the percentage of O2(g) that reacts?
8 years ago
Answered By Charles S
Great question. You should take a look at the equilibrium constant. If the Keq > 1 the reaction can be considered product favoured. If the Keq < 1 the reaction can be considered reactant favored. In the example above, the Keq value is 2.8x102 which is 280. 280 > 1 so this reaction would be product favoured and we can assume that the reaction will go to completion which would be a relatively high % reacted. The percent reaction will be equal for both reactants.
Now, a question for you:
What would happen to the equilibrium position if you added more heat to the reaction vessel? Would it shift to the products or the reactants?
8 years ago
Answered By Charles S
Great question. You should take a look at the equilibrium constant. If the Keq > 1 the reaction can be considered product favoured. If the Keq < 1 the reaction can be considered reactant favored. In the example above, the Keq value is 2.8x102 which is 280. 280 > 1 so this reaction would be product favoured and we can assume that the reaction will go to completion which would be a relatively high % reacted. The percent reaction will be equal for both reactants.
Now, a question for you:
What would happen to the equilibrium position if you added more heat to the reaction vessel? Would it shift to the products or the reactants?