01:160:161 Study Guide - Final Guide: Reaction Step, Equilibrium Constant, Stoichiometry

Consider the reaction A + B C + D. Assume that both the forward reaction and the reverse reaction are elementary processes and that the value of the equilibrium constant is very large. (a) Which species predominate at equilibrium, reactants or products? (b) Which reaction has the larger rate constant, the forward or the reverse?

Both the forward reaction and the reverse reaction in the following equilibrium are believed to be elementary steps:

CO(g) + Cl₂(g) COCl(g) + Cl(g)

At 25 °C, the rate constants for the forward and reverse reactions are 1.4 × 10^-28 M^-1 s^-1 and 9.3 × 10¹⁰ M^-1 s^-1, respectively. (a) What is the value for the equilibrium constant at 25 °C? (b) Are reactants or products more plentiful at equilibrium?