Question

If a reaction is exothermic and produces large quantities of heat reaching equilibrium, its equilibrium constant will be __________.a. zero, because the reaction will not have an equilibrium constant. b. negative, because it is an exothermic reaction. c. greater than zero

Answer 1

Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

As the given reaction is exothermic in nature. So, more is the amount of heat released more will be the stability attained by the reaction due to which equilibrium will shift in the forward direction.

As a result, the concentration of products will increase. Since, we know that expression for equilibrium constant is as follows.

             k = $\frac{[Products]}{[Reactants]}$

Hence, more is the concentration of products more will be the value of equilibrium constant.

Thus, we can conclude that if a reaction is exothermic and produces large quantities of heat reaching equilibrium, its equilibrium constant will be greater than zero.