For the reaction co(g) + 3 h2(g) ⇌ h2o(g) + ch4(g), kc = 189 at 1000 k. if a vessel is filled with these gases such that the initial concentrations are [co] = 0.0360 m, [h2] = 0.0450 m, [h2o] = 0.0200 m, and [ch4] = 0.0310 m, in which direction will a reaction occur and why?

There will be no change since Qc = Kc

Explanation:

Given:

[CO] = 0.0360 M

[H2] = 0.0450 M

[H2O] = 0.0200 M

[CH4] = 0.0310 M

Kc = 189

To determine:

The direction in which the given reaction will occur

Calculation:

The given reaction is:

The relation between the equilibrium constant Kc and the reaction quotient Qc determines the reaction direction

If Qc > Kc reaction will shift to the left

If Qc < Kc reaction will shift to the right

If Qc = Kc there will be no shift

Based on equation (1), for the given reaction:

Since Qc=Kc, there will be no change in the reaction direction and the equilibrium will be retained