In: Chemistry
Phosphorus pentachloride decomposes according to the chemical equation.
A 0.457 mol sample of PCl5(g) is injected into an empty 4.85 L reaction vessel held at 250
PCl5(g) <==> PCl3(g) + Cl2(g) ..... Kc =
1.80
I. 0.09422M ........... 0 .............0
c. -x ......................+x ............+x
e. 0.09422-x ............x ..............x
Making the 5% approximation where 0.09422-x = 0.09422 ...
Kc = [PCl3] [Cl2] / [PCl5]
Kc = x^2 / 0.09422 = 1.80
x = 4.11
The approximation isn't valid since the value for x is far too
large. You must then use the quadratic equation to solve for
x.
Kc = x^2 / (0.09422-x) = 1.80
x2+180x-0.169596=0

X=9.388x10^-4
x = 9.388x10^-4 ... to three significant digits.
[PCl] = [Cl2] = 9.388x10^-4 M