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Given below are certain reactions. Identify the reaction for which $K_p \neq K_c$.

This question was previously asked in
NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Question Paper (21-Jun-2026)
The correct answer is
$N_2 (g) + 3H_2 (g) \rightleftharpoons 2NH_3 (g)$

Understanding $K_p$ and $K_c$ Relationship

The equilibrium constants $K_p$ and $K_c$ relate to reactions involving gases. $K_p$ is expressed in terms of partial pressures, while $K_c$ is expressed in terms of molar concentrations.

The relationship between $K_p$ and $K_c$ is given by the equation:

$K_p = K_c (RT)^{\Delta n}$

where:

  • $R$ is the ideal gas constant.
  • $T$ is the absolute temperature in Kelvin.
  • $\Delta n$ is the change in the number of moles of gaseous products and reactants: $\Delta n = (\text{Sum of moles of gaseous products}) - (\text{Sum of moles of gaseous reactants})$.

For $K_p$ to be equal to $K_c$, the value of $\Delta n$ must be zero ($K_p = K_c (RT)^0 = K_c$). Therefore, the reaction for which $K_p \neq K_c$ is the one where $\Delta n \neq 0$.

Analyzing Gaseous Moles in Reactions

Let's calculate $\Delta n$ for each given reaction:

  • Option 1: $N_2 (g) + O_2 (g) \rightleftharpoons 2NO (g)$

    Reactants: 1 mole $N_2$ + 1 mole $O_2$ = 2 moles of gas

    Products: 2 moles $NO$ = 2 moles of gas

    $\Delta n = 2 - 2 = 0$. Thus, $K_p = K_c$.

  • Option 2: $H_2O (g) + CO (g) \rightleftharpoons H_2 (g) + CO_2 (g)$

    Reactants: 1 mole $H_2O$ + 1 mole $CO$ = 2 moles of gas

    Products: 1 mole $H_2$ + 1 mole $CO_2$ = 2 moles of gas

    $\Delta n = 2 - 2 = 0$. Thus, $K_p = K_c$.

  • Option 3: $H_2 (g) + I_2 (g) \rightleftharpoons 2HI (g)$

    Reactants: 1 mole $H_2$ + 1 mole $I_2$ = 2 moles of gas

    Products: 2 moles $HI$ = 2 moles of gas

    $\Delta n = 2 - 2 = 0$. Thus, $K_p = K_c$.

  • Option 4: $N_2 (g) + 3H_2 (g) \rightleftharpoons 2NH_3 (g)$

    Reactants: 1 mole $N_2$ + 3 moles $H_2$ = 4 moles of gas

    Products: 2 moles $NH_3$ = 2 moles of gas

    $\Delta n = 2 - 4 = -2$. Since $\Delta n \neq 0$, $K_p \neq K_c$.

Conclusion

The reaction $N_2 (g) + 3H_2 (g) \rightleftharpoons 2NH_3 (g)$ is the one for which $K_p \neq K_c$ because the change in the number of moles of gas ($\Delta n$) is not zero.

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  3. Electricity is passed through an acidic solution of $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ till all the $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ was exhausted, leading to the deposition of 300 mg of Cu metal. However, a current of 600 mA was continued to pass through the same solution for another 28 minutes by keeping the total volume of the solution fixed at 200 mL. The total volume of oxygen evolved at STP during the entire process is ______ mL. (Nearest integer)
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