Question:medium

For the reaction \( \text{N}_2(g) + 3 \, \text{H_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2 \, \text{NH}_3(g) \), the equilibrium constant \( K_c \) at a certain temperature is \( 0.5 \). If the initial concentrations of \( \text{N}_2 \), \( \text{H}_2 \), and \( \text{NH}_3 \) are \( 1.0 \, \text{mol/L} \), \( 1.0 \, \text{mol/L} \), and \( 0 \, \text{mol/L} \) respectively, calculate the equilibrium concentrations of all species.}

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In equilibrium problems, always set up an ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) to track the changes in concentration. Then, substitute into the equilibrium expression and solve for unknowns.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • \( [\text{N}_2] = 0.5 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{H}_2] = 0.5 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{NH}_3] = 1.0 \, \text{mol/L} \)
  • \( [\text{N}_2] = 0.75 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{H}_2] = 0.75 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{NH}_3] = 0.5 \, \text{mol/L} \)
  • \( [\text{N}_2] = 0.25 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{H}_2] = 0.25 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{NH}_3] = 1.25 \, \text{mol/L} \)
  • \( [\text{N}_2] = 0.33 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{H}_2] = 0.33 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{NH}_3] = 1.33 \, \text{mol/L} \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The reaction's equilibrium expression is: \[ K_c = \frac{[\text{NH}_3]^2}{[\text{N}_2][\text{H}_2]^3} \] Given: - Equilibrium constant, \( K_c = 0.5 \) - Initial concentrations: \( [\text{N}_2] = 1.0 \, \text{mol/L} \), \( [\text{H}_2] = 1.0 \, \text{mol/L} \), \( [\text{NH}_3] = 0 \, \text{mol/L} \). Let \( -2x \) represent the change in \( \text{N}_2 \) concentration and \( -3x \) represent the change in \( \text{H}_2 \) concentration. The concentration of \( \text{NH}_3 \) increases by \( +2x \). At equilibrium, the concentrations are: - \( [\text{N}_2] = 1.0 - 2x \) - \( [\text{H}_2] = 1.0 - 3x \) - \( [\text{NH}_3] = 2x \) Substituting these into the equilibrium expression yields: \[ 0.5 = \frac{(2x)^2}{(1.0 - 2x)(1.0 - 3x)^3} \] Solving this equation for \( x \), after simplification, results in \( x = 0.25 \). The equilibrium concentrations are calculated as follows: - \( [\text{N}_2] = 1.0 - 2(0.25) = 0.75 \, \text{mol/L} \) - \( [\text{H}_2] = 1.0 - 3(0.25) = 0.75 \, \text{mol/L} \) - \( [\text{NH}_3] = 2(0.25) = 0.5 \, \text{mol/L} \) Therefore, the final equilibrium concentrations are \( [\text{N}_2] = 0.75 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{H}_2] = 0.75 \, \text{mol/L}, [\text{NH}_3] = 0.5 \, \text{mol/L} \).
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