Answer: The reaction must proceed in the reverse direction.
Explanation:
[tex]K_p[/tex] is the constant of a certain reaction at equilibrium while [tex]Q_p[/tex] is the quotient of activities of products and reactants at any stage other than equilibrium of a reaction.
For the given chemical reaction:
[tex]N_2(g)+O_2(g)\rightleftharpoons 2NO(g)[/tex]
The expression of [tex]K_p[/tex] for above equation follows:
[tex]K_p=\frac{(p_{NO})^2}{p_{N_2}\times p_{O_2}}[/tex]
We are given:
[tex]K_p=2\times 10^{-9}[/tex]
There are 3 conditions:
When [tex]K_{p}>1[/tex]; the reaction is product favored.
When [tex]K_{p}<1[/tex]; the reaction is reactant favored.
When [tex]K_{p}=1[/tex]; the reaction is in equilibrium.
As, [tex]K_p<1[/tex], the reaction will be favoring reactant side or the reaction must proceed in the reverse direction.
Hence, the reaction must proceed in the reverse direction.
