The following reaction mixture contains 0.22 M CH4, 0.67 M CO2 and 1.3 M H2O. Which of the following statements is TRUE concerning this system?
4 CuO(s) + CH4(g) ? CO2(g) + 4 Cu(s) + 2 H2O(g)
Kc = 1.10
a)the reaction is running fastest toward the reactants
b)the reaction is running fastest toward the products
c)the value of the equilibrium constant will increase
d)the value of the reaction quotient will increase
e)the reaction is at equilibrium

Reaction is shifting left toward reactant side

Explanation:

4CuO(s) + CH₄(g) <=?=> CO₂(g) + Cu(s) + 2H₂O(g)

     0.22M             0.67M        1.30M

Qc = [O₂(g)][H₂O(l)]²/[CH₄(g)] = (0.67)(1.30)²/(0.22) =5.12

Kc = 1.1 < Qc = 5.12 => Reaction is shifting LEFT and reactant concentrations are increasing with product concentrations decreasing. Qc will be decreasing and final Kc value will be lower than original Qc upon reaching equilibrium stability.  

FYI Note => For reaction mixtures the following is a good guide to reaction response to applied system stress. Note the conclusion follows the direction the inequality symbol is pointing.  

Kc  <  Qc  => Rxn system is shifting Left

Kc =   Qc  => Rxn system is at equilibrium

Kc >  Qc  => Rxn system is shifting Right

it can be observed without changing the identity of the object.

it depends on what substance you're talking about as well as many other factors. in quantum mechanics, the observation of particles affects the observers ability to measure certain properties. for example: you can know the velocity of a particle, but you can't know it's position; or you can know it's position, but not it's velocity. it's like trying to find out where a grain of sand is by throwing other grains of sand at it. once you find out where it is, it's been moved. it's also like trying to find an answer to the question of whether or not a tree falling in a forest makes a sound if nobody is there to hear it. paradoxically, the only way to find out is to be there and hear it.