What happens to the value of the equilibrium constant (Kc) for a reaction if the reaction is reversed?
It becomes zero
It becomes negative
It remains the same
It becomes the reciprocal of the original value
Correct answer is D
If a reaction is reversed, the equilibrium constant (Kc) for the reversed reaction becomes the reciprocal of the original equilibrium constant. For a reaction:
A + B ⇌ C + D
The equilibrium constant Kc = [C][D]/[A][B]
For the reversed reaction:
C + D ⇌ A + B
The equilibrium constant Kc(reversed) = [A][B]/[C][D]
Thus, Kc(reversed) = 1/Kc.