6 equilibria Flashcards
what is a reversible reaction?
a reaction that can go forwards and backwards
when is equilibrium reached?
when there is a balance between the amount of products and reactants
when the concentration of each substance stays constant
why does equilibrium only occur in closed systems?
products can’t escape
what is le chateliers principle?
if a reaction at equilibrium changes in pressure, temperature or concentration, the position of equilibrium will move to minimise/counteract the change
if equilibrium shifts to the left do you make more products or reactants?
reactants
if equilibrium shifts to the right do you make more products or reactants?
products
which way would the equilibrium shift if the concentration of a reactant was increased?
right
which way will equilibrium shift if the concentration of a product is increased?
left
which way will equilibrium shift if pressure is increased?
to the side with the fewest moles/gas molecules
which way will equilibrium shift if pressure is decreased?
to the side with the most moles/gas molecules
which way will equilibrium shift if temperature is increased?
in the endothermic direction
which way will equilibrium shift if temperature is decreased?
in the exothermic direction
which way will equilibrium shift if a catalyst is added?
catalysts have no effect on equilibrium- it will speed up the rate of both reactions equally
what is the reversible reaction for ethanol?
ethene + water -> ethanol
H2C=CH2 + H2O -> CH3CH2OH
what are the conditions for making ethanol?
low temp (570K)
high pressure (65000kPa)
phosphoric acid catalyst (H3PO4)
