Question

What direction does a reaction proceed if ln Q/K is negative?"

A) Towards equilibrium
B) Away from equilibrium
C) No effect
D) Depends on temperature

Answer 1

A negative ln Q/K indicates that Q is less than K, meaning the reaction will proceed to the right, forming more products until it reaches equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

If ln Q/K is negative, this implies that the natural logarithm (ln) of the reaction quotient (Q) divided by the equilibrium constant (K) is less than zero. For ln Q/K to be negative, Q must be less than K. According to Le Chatelier's principle, if Q < K, the reaction will proceed to the right as written, thus forming more products. Therefore, the reaction proceeds towards equilibrium from its current position. So the correct answer is A) Towards equilibrium.