Experiments have shown that the equilibrium constant Kp for the reaction NO(g) + NO2(g) ⇌ N2O3(g) is 0.03. A chamber with a constant total pressure initially contains NO with a partial pressure of 200 MPa, NO2 with a partial pressure of 250 MPa, and N2O3 with a partial pressure of 50 MPa. What will occur over time?

The reaction will shift to the right

Explanation:

In the reaction:

NO(g) + NO₂(g) ⇌ N₂O₃(g)

Kp of reaction is:

= 0.03

Where P represents the pressures in equilibrium

Replacing in the kP formula the initial pressures:

= 0.001

As the Reaction quotient (Q) is less than kP, the reaction will shift to the right producing more N₂O₃ until Q = kP.