NiO is to be reduced to nickel metal in an industrial process by use of the reaction:NiO (s) + CO (g) Ni (s) + CO2 (g) At 1600K the equilibrium constant for the reaction is kp = 6.0 x 10^2. If a CO pressure of 150 torr is to be employed in the furnace and total pressure never exceeds 760 torr, will reduction occur?

The reaction will occur, in the forward direction, and NiO will be reduced to Ni

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Kp = 6.0 * 10²

Pressure of CO = 150 torr

Total pressure never exceeds 760 torr

Step 2: The balanced equation:

NiO (s) + CO (g) ⇆ Ni (s) + CO2 (g)

Step 3: Calculate P (CO) and P (CO2)

For this equilibrium, the expression for Kp is:

Kp = P (CO2) / P (CO) = 6.0*10^2

(NiO and Ni are solids so do not change anything to the Kp

⇒ with P (CO) = 150 torr

⇒ P (CO) = 760 - 150 = 610 torr

Step 4: Calculate the reaction quotient

Q = 610/150 = 4.1

Q<<< Kp

There are more reactants than products. As a result, some of the reactants will become products, causing the reaction to shift to the right.

This means the reaction will proceed in the forward direction, and NiO will be reduced to Ni.