A flask was filled with SO2 at a partial pressure of 0.409 atm and O2 at a partial pressure of 0.601 atm. The following gas-phase reaction was allowed to reach equilibrium: 2SO2 + O2 <--> 2SO3 At equilibrium, the partial pressure of SO2 was 0.297 atm. Calculate the equilibrium partial pressure of O2.

The equilibrium partial pressure of O2 is 0.545 atm

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Partial pressure of SO2 = 0.409 atm

Partial pressure of O2 = 0.601 atm

At equilibrium, the partial pressure of SO2 was 0.297 atm.

Step 2: The balanced equation

2SO2 + O2 ⇆ 2SO3

Step 3: The initial pressure

pSO2 = 0.409 atm

pO2 = 0.601 atm

pSO3 = 0 atm

Step 4: Calculate the pressure at the equilibrium

pSO2 = 0.409 - 2X atm

pO2 = 0.601 - X atm

pSO3 = 2X

pSO2 = 0.409 - 2X atm = 0.297

 X = 0.056 atm

pO2 = 0.601 - 0.056 = 0.545 atm

pSO3 = 2*0.056 = 0.112 atm

Step 5: Calculate Kp

Kp = (pSO3)²/((pO2)*(pSO2)²)

Kp = (0.112²) / (0.545 * 0.297²)

Kp = 0.261

The equilibrium partial pressure of O2 is 0.545 atm