7 Equilibrium Flashcards
How do one-way and reversible reactions differ in terms of reactant-to-product conversion?
Some reactions go to completion where the reactants are used up to form the products and the reaction stops when all of the reactants are used up
In reversible reactions the products can react to reform the original reactants
What symbol is used to show a reversible reaction?
To show a reversible reaction, two half arrows are used: ⇌
What is dynamic equilibrium?
In a dynamic equilibrium the reactants and products are dynamic (they are constantly moving)
What properties does dynamic equilibrium have?
In a dynamic equilibrium:
1. the rate of the forward reaction is the same as the rate of the backward reaction in a closed system
2. the concentrations of the reactants and products is constant
3. There is no change in macroscopic properties such as colour and density as they depend on concentration
What is a closed system?
A closed system is one in which none of the reactants or products escape from the reaction mixture
What is an open system?
In an open system some matter is lost to the surroundings
When can equilibrium be reached, in solution?
When a reaction takes place entirely in solution, equilibrium can be reached in open flasks
When can equilibrium be reached, in gas?
If the reaction involves gas, equilibrium can only be reached in a closed system
Are the concentrations of the reactants and products equal at equilibrium?
NO
they’re not equal, but CONSTANT i.e. stay the same!
What is the equilibrium expression?
The equilibrium expression is an expression that links the equilibrium constant, Kc, to the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium taking the stoichiometry of the equation into account
What is the equilibrium expression for the reaction?
aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD
Kc = [C]^c * [D]^d / [A]^a * [B]^b
What state of matter is ignored in the equilibrium expression?
Solids are ignored in equilibrium expressions
Is Kc of a reaction general?
The Kc of a reaction is specific to a given equation
What does the size of Kc tell us?
The size of Kc tells us how the equilibrium mixture is made up with respect to reactants and products
What does it mean if Kc > 1?
If Kc > 1, the concentration of products is greater than the concentration of reactants and we say that the equilibrium lies to the right hand side
What does it mean if Kc <1?
If Kc < 1, then the concentration of reactants is greater than the concentration of products and we say that the equilibrium lies to the left hand side
Does Kc vary with temperature?
yes
Kc is a constant at a specified temperature
Since temperature can affect the position of equilibrium it follows that Kc is dependent on temperature
What is Kc dependent on apart from temperature?
In the previous section we saw that the concentrations of the substances are raised to the power of the coefficients from the balanced equation
This means the Kc expression is dependent on a specific equation