In equilibrium problems involving equilibrium constants that are small relative to the initial concentrations of reactants, we can often assume that the quantity x (which represents how far the reaction proceeds toward products) is small. When this assumption is made, we can ignore the quantity x when it is subtracted from a large number but not when it is multiplied by a large number. In other words, 2.5 - x ≈ 2.5, but 2.5x ≠ 2.5. Explain why

Chemistry: The Molecular Science
5th Edition
ISBN:9781285199047
Author:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Chapter12: Chemical Equilibrium
Section12.5: Using Equilibrium Constants
Problem 12.5PSP: For the equilibrium 2 SO2(g) + O2(g) 2 SO3(g) Kc = 245 (at 1000 K) the equilibrium concentrations...
icon
Related questions
Question

In equilibrium problems involving equilibrium constants that are small relative to the initial concentrations of reactants, we can often assume that the quantity x (which represents how far the reaction proceeds toward products) is small. When this assumption is made, we can ignore the quantity x when it is subtracted from a large number but not when it is multiplied by a large number. In other words, 2.5 - x ≈ 2.5, but 2.5x ≠ 2.5. Explain why

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Chemical Equilibrium
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry: The Molecular Science
Chemistry: The Molecular Science
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285199047
Author:
John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781133949640
Author:
John C. Kotz, Paul M. Treichel, John Townsend, David Treichel
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337399074
Author:
John C. Kotz, Paul M. Treichel, John Townsend, David Treichel
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry for Engineering Students
Chemistry for Engineering Students
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337398909
Author:
Lawrence S. Brown, Tom Holme
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285853918
Author:
H. Stephen Stoker
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Cour…
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Cour…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305580343
Author:
Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Publisher:
Cengage Learning