Two Students Measure the Equilibrium Constant for the Same Chemical

question 98

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 of the following is a plausible explanation?

• A)The values vary according to the way the measurement is made.One student must have measured product concentrations,while the second 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,while 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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