15.27 The following equilibria were attained at 823 K:
COO(s) + H2() Co(s) + H2O(g) K = 67

COO(s) + CO(8) = Co(s) + CO2(8) K = 490

Based on these equilibria, calculate the equilibrium con-
stant for
H2(g) + CO2(g) = CO(g) + H2O(g) at 823 K.

The equilibrium constant for the reaction is K = 0.137

We obtain the equilibrium constant considering the following equilibria and their constants:

COO(s) + H₂(g) → Co(s) + H₂O(g)    K₁ = 67

COO(s) + CO(g) → Co(s) + CO₂(g)   K₂ = 490

We write the first reaction in the forward direction because we need H₂(g) in the reactants side:

(1)     COO(s) + H₂(g) → Co(s) + H₂O(g)    K₁ = 67

Then, we write the second reaction in the reverse direction because we need CO₂(g) in the reactants side. Thus, the equilibrium constant for the reaction in the reverse direction is the reciprocal of the constant for the reaction in the forward direction (K₂):

(2)   Co(s) + CO₂(g) → COO(s) + CO(g)   K₂ = 1/490

From the addition of (1) and (2), we obtain:

COO(s) + H₂(g) → Co(s) + H₂O(g)    K₁ = 67

+

Co(s) + CO₂(g) → COO(s) + CO(g)   K₂ = 1/490

H₂(g) +  CO₂(g) → CO(g) + H₂O(g)

Notice that Co(s) and COO(s) are removed that appear in the same amount at both sides of the chemical equation.

Now, the equilibrium constant K for the reaction that is the sum of other two reactions is calculated as the product of the equilibrium constants, as follows:

K = K₁ x K₂ = 67 x 1/490 = 67/490 = 0.137

You can learn more about equilibrium constants here:

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