Question

Equilibrium constants K1 and K2 for the following equilibria: NO(g)+$\bigg(\frac{1}{2}\bigg)$O2 $^{K_1}_\rightleftharpoons$ NO2(g) and 2NO2(g) $^{K_2}_\rightleftharpoons$ 2NO(g)+O2(g) are related as:

• A. $K_2$ = $\frac{1}{K_1}$
• B. K2 = $K^2_1$
• C. K2 = $K^1_2$
• D. K2 = $\frac{1}{K^2_1}$

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

K2 = $\frac{1}{K^2_1}$

Answer 2

By changing the first reaction in reverse order and multiplying it by 2 we will get the equation similar to second equation.
Thus, K1​ and K2​ can be related in the above equations as:
K2 = $\frac{1}{K^2_1}$

$\Rightarrow$ K1 = $\frac{1}{\sqrt K_2}$

Therefore, the correct option is (D): K2 = $\frac{1}{K^2_1}$