Two Students Measure the Equilibrium Constant for the Same Chemical

question 47

Multiple Choice

Two students measure the equilibrium constant for the same chemical reaction.One student finds K_c to be 130; the other calculates K_c to be 11.4.The instructor checks their results and says they are both correct.Which statement below is a plausible explanation?

• A)The values vary according to the way the measurement is made.One student must have measured product concentrations whereas the second must have measured reactant concentrations.
• B)The values vary according to the starting conditions of the reaction prior to equilibrium.One student must have started with all reactants whereas the second must have started with all products.
• C)The values vary according to the stoichiometric coefficients that are used.The balancing coefficients that the first student used must have been twice those that the second used.
• D)The values vary according to direction of the reaction.One student must have used the reverse reaction.
• E)The instructor must have made a mistake, as the equilibrium constant for a reaction must always be the same.

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Definitions:

Dysfunctional Conflict

Conflicts that lead to a decline in communication or performance within a group, often resulting in negative consequences for the organization or team.

Group Polarization

The tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members, often in a more conservative or riskier direction.

Production Blocking

A phenomenon where group members have to wait on each other before they can propose their ideas, leading to a slowdown in the creative process.

Delphi Method

A structured communication technique, often used in forecasting and decision making, that relies on a panel of experts answering questionnaires in two or more rounds.