Which of the following factors would affect the equilibrium constant?
Answer Details
The equilibrium constant (K) is a value that indicates the extent of a chemical reaction at equilibrium. It is determined by the concentrations of the reactants and products at equilibrium, and is unaffected by any external factors such as the initial concentrations or the rate of the reaction.
However, the equilibrium constant is affected by changes in temperature. When the temperature of a system at equilibrium is changed, the equilibrium constant will also change. This is because the forward and reverse reactions of a chemical reaction are affected differently by changes in temperature, which alters the equilibrium position.
Similarly, changes in pressure or volume of a system at equilibrium can also affect the equilibrium constant. For example, an increase in pressure will cause the equilibrium to shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas, while a decrease in volume will have the same effect. These changes in the equilibrium position will alter the concentrations of the reactants and products, and hence change the equilibrium constant.
Overall, concentration alone cannot affect the equilibrium constant as it is determined by the concentrations of the reactants and products at equilibrium, and is not dependent on the initial concentrations. However, changes in temperature, pressure, or volume can affect the equilibrium constant by altering the equilibrium position of the chemical reaction.