Question

The equilibrium constant Kp for the oxidation of sulphur dioxide into sulphur trioxide is 5.6x10⁴ at 350°C . if the partial pressure of SO2 and SO3 are 0.64 atm and 0.58 atm respectively, what is the partial pressure of O2 in the system?

2SO2+ O2-> 2SO3

Answer 1

Solution:

Balanced chemical equation:

2SO₂ + O₂ → 2SO₃

The equilibrium constant expression for the reaction, K_p:

K_p = 5.6×10⁴

P_SO3 = 0.58 atm

P_SO2 = 0.64 atm

P_O2 = unknown

Therefore,

Answer: The partial pressure of O₂ is 1.47×10⁻⁵ atm