Bookwork 5.35

[Meagan Kimbrell 1I]

5.35) The following plot shows how the partial pressures of reactant and products vary with time for the decomposition of compound A into compounds B and C. All three compounds are gases. Use this plot to do the following: (a) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction. (b) Calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction.

I was able to figure out part (a), but I am having trouble with part (b). I set up K = ((10^2)(5))/(17^2), but I cannot get the same K value from the answer key.
Thanks in advance!!

[Shria G 2D]

Hi,
I originally got that too, but I think it is because of the units. When calculating the equilibrium constant, I think you are supposed to use units in bar, the standard pressure unit. The y-axis shows that the pressure is given in kPa and 1 bar = 100 kPa so you would have to divide each partial pressure value by 100. So, I got K = (10/100)^2)(5/100)/((18/100)^2). I'm not completely sure if that is right but that is what I thought. I hope that helps!