Chemistry Equilibrium MDCAT 2017
PMDC Verified Question 86 of 102
Consider the following reversible reaction;

$$ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH}_{(l)} + \text{CH}_3\text{COOH}_{(l)} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{COOCH}_2\text{CH}_{3(l)} + \text{H}_2\text{O}_{(l)} $$

Initial concentration:
\( 1\text{ mol} \quad 1\text{ mol} \quad 0\text{ mol} \quad 0\text{ mol} \)

Equilibrium concentration:
\( 0.333\text{ mol} \quad 0.333\text{ mol} \quad 0.666\text{ mol} \quad 0.666\text{ mol} \)
\( K_c = 4 \) at \( 100^{\circ}\text{C} \).

What are new equilibrium concentrations of all species if 1 mole of each of \( \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \) and \( \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \) are added to this equilibrium mixture? (Apply Le-Chatelier's Principle) (Temperature remained same)
A
\( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOH})=0.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH})=1.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOC}_2\text{H}_5)=1.666\text{mol} \), \( (\text{H}_2\text{O})=0.666\text{mol} \)
B
\( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOH})=1.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH})=0.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOC}_2\text{H}_5)=0.666\text{mol} \), \( (\text{H}_2\text{O})=1.666\text{mol} \)
C
\( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOH})=0.666\text{mol} \), \( (\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH})=0.666\text{mol} \), \( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOC}_2\text{H}_5)=1.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{H}_2\text{O})=1.333\text{mol} \)
D
\( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOH})=0.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH})=0.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOC}_2\text{H}_5)=1.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{H}_2\text{O})=1.333\text{mol} \)
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Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: \( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOH})=0.666\text{mol} \), \( (\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH})=0.666\text{mol} \), \( (\text{CH}_3\text{COOC}_2\text{H}_5)=1.333\text{mol} \), \( (\text{H}_2\text{O})=1.333\text{mol} \)
Concept:

The value of \( K_c \) is a constant at a given temperature. If initial concentrations are doubled proportionally, the final equilibrium concentrations will also double to maintain the ratio of \( K_c \).

Formula:

$$ K_c = \frac{[\text{Ester}][\text{Water}]}{[\text{Acid}][\text{Alcohol}]} = 4 $$

Solution:

  • Initial experiment started with 1 mol of each reactant and produced 0.666 mol of products.


  • By adding another 1 mol of each reactant to the equilibrium mixture, the total moles put into the system is exactly 2 moles of each reactant.


  • Since the system volume is unchanged and \( \Delta n = 0 \), this is identical to starting a fresh reaction with double the initial concentration (2 mol each).


  • Because all stoichiometry is 1:1:1:1, doubling initial reactants exactly doubles the final equilibrium concentrations to maintain \( K_c = 4 \).


  • New Reactants = \( 0.333 \times 2 = 0.666 \text{ mol} \).


  • New Products = \( 0.666 \times 2 = 1.333 \text{ mol} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

Other options represent asymmetrical shifts which violate the 1:1 stoichiometry of the balanced chemical equation.

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