Question

The equilibrium constant, kp, equals 3.40 at 25°c for the isomerization reaction: cis-2-butene ⇌ trans-2-butene. if a flask initially contains 1.00 atm of each gas, in what direction will the system shift to reach equilibrium?

Answer 1

The reaction will proceed to the right (favoring the products).

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider the following isomerization reaction.

cis-2-butene ⇌ trans-2-butene

To predict in what direction will shift to reach equilibrium, we have to calculate the reaction quotient (Qp).

`Qp=(p(trans-2-butene))/(p(cis-2-butene)) =(1.00)/(1.00) =1.00`

Since Qp (1.00) < Kp (3.40), the reaction will proceed to the right, so that the pressure of the product increases, the pressure of the reactant decreases, and Qp reaches the value of Kp.