Chemistry

Problem

For the reaction

2\,\text{NO}_2(g) \rightleftharpoons \text{N}_2\text{O}_4(g)

at 298\,K, the equilibrium constant is

K = 170

. A sealed vessel is found to have

Q = 50

for the forward reaction as written. A student instead considers the reaction written in the reverse direction:

\text{N}_2\text{O}_4(g) \rightleftharpoons 2\,\text{NO}_2(g)

Which of the following best describes the system’s response relative to this rewritten reaction? a) It will shift toward products

(2\,\text{NO}_2)

because

Q_{\text{new}} > K_{\text{new}}

. b) It will shift toward products

(2\,\text{NO}_2)

because

Q_{\text{new}} < K_{\text{new}}

. c) It will shift toward reactants

(\text{N}_2\text{O}_4)

because

Q_{\text{new}} > K_{\text{new}}

. d) It will shift toward reactants

(\text{N}_2\text{O}_4)

because

Q_{\text{new}} < K_{\text{new}}