[autum_leaves]

Here is my question...

When heated, carbon monoxide reacts with water according to the equation

CO (g) + H20 (g)  CO₂ + H₂

The value of equilibrium constant for this reaction is 3.2 at 700^o C. What will the concentrations of all gases at equilibrium, when 5.00 mol of CO and 5.00 mol of H2O are mixed in a 2.0L reactor and heated to 700^o C?

Step 1#

CO= 5.00 mol / 2.00 L = 2.5M
H2O = 5.00 mol / 2.00 L = 2.5 M

Step 2: ICE table

        CO (g) + H20 (g)  CO₂ + H₂
I:     2.5          2.5                      0                          0
C:    -x            -x                        x                          x
E:   2.5-x         2.5-x                    x                          x


And this is where I get stuck. Am I suppose to use the quadratic equation here? if so I am coming up with a cube (not right)

Any suggestions will *delete me*! 

Also I have looked at other examples of this type of question and the M of one of the products is usually given!!

So confused

[sjb]

So from your "E" line, what is the expression for K?

I don't see where you're getting a cubic equation from at a first glance.

[autum_leaves]

nevermind about the cube i thought I would get.
I redid the equation. made a "simple" mistake !!

but now I am coming up with x = 8.36M

This seems like a really high number for this equation

any suggestions

[Borek]

Show your equation, check you math.

[autum_leaves]

3.2= x²/ x²-5.00x +6.25 

3.2(x²-5.00x+6.25 = x²

2.2x²-16x + 20 = 0

and from there I do the quadratic eq. and end up with

16 +or- 20.8 / 4.4

can't use the neg so my answer is x = 8.36

This question is truly difficult..

[Borek]

and from there I do the quadratic eq. and end up with

16 +or- 20.8 / 4.4

Check your math.

2.2*8.36²-16*8.36+20=40