If theKcis neither too small nor too large, one of the following will ...
Explanation:
When the value of K, the equilibrium constant, is neither too small nor too large, it indicates that the reaction is not strongly favored in either the forward or reverse direction. In such a case, several possibilities can be considered:
1. Both reactants and products are at equilibrium:
When the equilibrium constant K is neither too small nor too large, it suggests that the reaction has reached a state of dynamic equilibrium. At equilibrium, the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. This means that the concentrations of both reactants and products remain constant over time, indicating that the reaction has reached a balanced state.
2. The reaction hardly proceeds:
If the equilibrium constant is very small, it implies that the reaction does not proceed significantly in the forward direction. In this case, the reactants are mostly favored, and the reaction hardly proceeds to form products. The equilibrium position lies far to the left, indicating that the forward reaction is not favored.
3. The reaction proceeds very slowly:
If the equilibrium constant is very large, it suggests that the reaction does not proceed significantly in the reverse direction. In this case, the products are mostly favored, and the reaction proceeds very slowly in the forward direction. The equilibrium position lies far to the right, indicating that the forward reaction is strongly favored.
4. The reaction proceeds to completion:
If the equilibrium constant is extremely large, it implies that the reaction proceeds almost entirely in the forward direction. The forward reaction is strongly favored, and the equilibrium position lies far to the right. In this case, the reactants are consumed completely, and the reaction proceeds to completion, meaning that all the reactants are converted into products.
Based on the given information that K is neither too small nor too large, the correct answer is option 'A' - both reactants and products are at equilibrium.