If Kc is less than 10^(-20), what can be inferred about the reaction?

If Kc is less than 10^(-20), what can be inferred about the reaction?

• A. It proceeds quickly with many products
• B. It does not occur, indicating reactants are very stable
• C. Both reactants and products are present in significant amounts
• D. Only products are formed in a dynamic equilibrium

Answer: (B)

When the equilibrium constant \( K_c \) is significantly less than \( 10^{-20} \), it indicates that at equilibrium, the concentration of the products is extremely low compared to that of the reactants. This is a strong indication that the reaction does not favor the formation of products, suggesting that the reactants are very stable and are not readily converting into products. In this case, the equilibrium position lies far to the left, meaning that the reactants are predominant in the mixture. A small \( K_c \) value demonstrates that the reaction essentially does not progress to a significant extent under normal conditions. Consequently, it can be inferred that the products are not formed in appreciable amounts, reinforcing the idea of reactants being very stable and the reaction not occurring practically.

When the equilibrium constant ( K_c ) is significantly less than ( 10^{-20} ), it indicates that at equilibrium, the concentration of the products is extremely low compared to that of the reactants. This is a strong indication that the reaction does not favor the formation of products, suggesting that the reactants are very stable and are not readily converting into products.

In this case, the equilibrium position lies far to the left, meaning that the reactants are predominant in the mixture. A small ( K_c ) value demonstrates that the reaction essentially does not progress to a significant extent under normal conditions. Consequently, it can be inferred that the products are not formed in appreciable amounts, reinforcing the idea of reactants being very stable and the reaction not occurring practically.