In the equation Kp = Kc·(RT)?n, what does the term ?n represent?

Question

Options:

 

the total number of moles of reactants

the total number of moles of products

the total moles of gaseous products minus total moles of gaseous reactants

 

OR
the total moles of gaseous reactants minus the total moles of gaseous products

Answer 1

This is a conversion equation.  K_c is the equilibrium constant in terms of molar concentrations and K_p is an equilibrium constant in terms of partial pressures.  Normally the equation is written as:

 

K_p = K_c (RT)^Δn  Maybe the ?n is a typo for the font change on the computer.  You probably know what n is using gas laws, and R as well,  and you probably know what Δ means in other contexts.  With that,  you should have enough to go on here.  That you're presenting the responses in a multiple choice format leads me to consider that you may be asking for help in a test or online instructional setting.  Giving  a direct response to a question of this type might be a violation of the academic honesty policy that WyzAnt has us all agree to follow.