Questions: Which of the following reaction-energy diagrams represents the reaction with the highest equilibrium constant, Keq?

Transcript text: Which of the following reaction-energy diagrams represents the reaction with the highest equilibrium constant, $K_{\text {eq }}$ ?

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Analyze the relationship between equilibrium constant and Gibbs Free Energy

A large equilibrium constant (K_eq) indicates that the reaction favors product formation, meaning the change in Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) is negative. A more negative ΔG correlates to a larger K_eq.

Step 2: Relate Gibbs Free Energy to the energy diagram

The change in Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) in a reaction is related to the difference in energy between the reactants and the products. A larger drop in energy from reactants to products signifies a more negative ΔG.

Step 3: Identify the diagram with the largest energy drop

Diagram 3 shows the largest difference in energy between the reactants and products.