5.6 - Equilibrium Flashcards
What are reversible reactions?
They can go backwards as well as forwards, they are represented with the ⇌ symbol.
What do reversible reactions depend on?
Whether a reversible reaction goes forwards or backwards at any point in time depends on the amounts of reactants and products and the conditions such as temperature and pressure
What is dynamic equilibrium?
When a reversible reaction is left in a sealed container, the forwards and backwards reactions will eventually ‘balance out’. From that point onwards, the mixture of reactants and products in the container is referred to as being in dynamic equilibrium.
Dynamic definition?
Dynamic: the forwards and backwards reactions are still happening, just at the same rate.
Equilibrium definition?
Equilibrium: the concentrations of reactants and products remain unchanged.
What is the ‘equilibrium position’?
The resulting balance of products and reactants in an equilibrium mixture
What variables effect equilibrium shift?
- Amounts of reactants or products
- Gas pressure
- Temperature
Le Chatelier’s principle of equilibrium?
“The equilibrium shifts to counteract any change imposed on it.”
What happens to equilibrium when we add a substance?
Shifts in whichever direction uses it up.
What happens to equilibrium when we remove a substance?
Shifts in whichever direction creates it.
What happens to equilibrium when we increase gas pressure?
Shifts to whichever side has fewest moles of gas
What happens to equilibrium when we decrease gas pressure?
Shifts to whichever side has most moles of gas.
What happens to equilibrium when we increase temperature?
Shifts in whichever direction is endothermic
What happens to equilibrium when we increase temperature?
Shifts in whichever direction is exothermic
What effect do catalysts have on equilibrium?
Catalysts increase the rates of both forwards and backwards reactions, they balance. That means adding a catalyst has no effect on the position of an equilibrium.
