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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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