Magnetite, an iron ore with formula Fe3O4, can be reduced by treatment with hydrogen to yield iron metal and water vapor.This reaction haS K = 2.3 x 10^-18. Are the reactants or the products favored?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reaction: Fe3O4 + 4H2 -> 3Fe + 4H2O.
2. Understand the equilibrium constant (K): It indicates the ratio of the concentration of products to reactants at equilibrium.
3. Given K = 2.3 \times 10^{-18}, which is a very small number.
4. A small K value (much less than 1) suggests that the equilibrium position favors the reactants.
5. Conclude that in this reaction, the reactants are favored over the products.

Key Concepts

Equilibrium Constant (K)

The equilibrium constant (K) is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction at a specific temperature. A small K value, such as 2.3 x 10^-18, indicates that at equilibrium, the concentration of reactants is much greater than that of products, suggesting that the reaction favors the reactants.

Reaction Favorability

In chemical reactions, favorability refers to the tendency of a reaction to proceed towards products or remain with reactants. When K is significantly less than 1, it implies that the formation of products is not favored, and the reaction is more likely to remain in the reactant state. This concept is crucial for predicting the direction of a reaction under equilibrium conditions.

Reduction Reactions

Reduction reactions involve the gain of electrons or the decrease in oxidation state by a substance. In the context of the given reaction, hydrogen acts as a reducing agent, converting iron ore (Fe3O4) into iron metal. Understanding reduction is essential for analyzing the chemical processes involved and the energy changes that accompany these transformations.