Explain why pure liquids solids are ignored while writing the equilibrium constant expression

Explain why solids and pure liquids can be ignored while writing the equilibrium constant expression.

Answer:

The equilibrium constant statement does not include pure solids or pure liquids since they are inert. Because they have no effect on the quantity of reactant present at equilibrium in the reaction, they are ignored and the value of 1 is maintained.

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Dihydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas by partial oxidation with steam as per following endothermic reaction:

(a) Write an expression for Kp for the above reaction.
(b) How will the values of Kp and composition of equilibrium mixture be affected by:
(i) increasing the pressure
(ii) increasing the temperature
(iii) using a catalyst?

(a)

(b)
(i) The value of Kp remains unchanged on increasing the pressure. According to Le Chatelier’s principle, equilibrium will shift in the backward direction.(ii) In case of endothermic reactions the value of increases with the increase in temperature. According to Le Chatelier principle, equilibrium will shift in the forward direction.

(iii) Kp will remain undisturbed i.e. equilibrium composition will not be disturbed but equilibrium will be attained equally.However, in the presence of a catalyst, the equilibrium would be attained quickly.