Why can equilibrium calculations be simplified when K is very small, specificall

Question

Why can equilibrium calculations be simplified when K is very small, specifically, why can -x be ignored on the reactants side?

Because the -x represents a large enough change in comparison with the starting reactant concentration that there is essentially no measurable change.

Because the reactants start in small enough concentrations that the -x is essentially the same as the reactant concentration.

Because the -x represents a small enough change in comparison with the starting reactant concentration that there is essentially no measurable change.

It can't be ignored.

Because the -x represents a large enough change in comparison with the starting reactant concentration that there is essentially no measurable change.

Because the reactants start in small enough concentrations that the -x is essentially the same as the reactant concentration.

Because the -x represents a small enough change in comparison with the starting reactant concentration that there is essentially no measurable change.

It can't be ignored.

Explanation / Answer

Since, k is small, it indicates that most of the reaction has not moved towards the product side.

Hence, the amount of reactants used up is very small.

So, -x can be neglected.

Hence, option C is right:

Because the -x represents a small enough change in comparison with the starting reactant concentration that there is essentially no measurable change.

Because the -x represents a small enough change in comparison with the starting reactant concentration that there is essentially no measurable change.

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