For the reaction : CH4(g) + 2O2(g) CO2(g) + 2H2O(l), Hr = -890.3 kJ mol-1. Which of the following statements is not true?
- The reaction is exothermic.
- At equilibrium, the concentrations of CO2(g) and H2O(l) are not equal.
- The equilibrium constant for the reaction is given by Kp = [CO2][CH4][O2]
- Addition of CH4(g) or O2(g) at equilibrium will cause a shift to the right.
Answer
(3) The equilibrium constant for the reaction is given by Kp = [CO2][CH4][O2]
Solution
(1) Hr is negative ⇒ the reaction is exothermic ⇒ true.
(2) H2O(l) is a pure liquid; its concentration is constant and is not equal to that of CO2(g) ⇒ true.
(3) Kp is written in terms of partial pressures, each raised to its stoichiometric coefficient, and the pure liquid water is omitted:
Kp = pCO2pCH4 pO22
The given expression uses concentrations and omits the power 2 on O2 ⇒ not true.
(4) By Le Chatelier's principle, adding a reactant shifts the equilibrium to the right ⇒ true.
Answer: (3)