medium · MCAT chem-phys
In the reaction CO_(g) + H_2O_(g) rightleftharpoons CO_2(g) + H_2(g), a sample of water containing the heavy isotope ^18O is used. After the system reaches equilibrium, ^18O is found in both H_2O and CO_2.
Which concept best explains this?
- Equilibrium is dynamic, meaning the forward and reverse reactions continue to occur at equal rates.
- The equilibrium constant K_eq for heavy oxygen isotopes is much larger than light ones.
- Equilibrium is static, and the isotope atoms were already fully distributed before equilibrium was reached.
- Le Chatelier's principle forces the heavy oxygen atoms into the CO_2 product in order to balance atomic mass.
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