Changing the conditions of an equilibrium reaction 1 Flashcards
Concentration + Le Chatelier's principle
What is meant by “changing the position of equilibrium”?
It refers to altering the proportion of reactants and products in an equilibrium mixture to obtain a greater yield of the desired products
What does it mean if equilibrium is “moved to the right”?
The proportion of products in the equilibrium mixture has increased, favouring the forward reaction
What does it mean if equilibrium is “moved to the left”?
The proportion of reactants in the equilibrium mixture has increased, favouring the backward reaction
How can the position of equilibrium be moved to the left or right?
By varying conditions such as temperature, the concentration of species involved or pressure (for reactions involving gases)
What is the effect of increasing the concentration of a reactant on the equilibrium position?
The equilibrium shifts to the right to produce more products
What is the effect of increasing the pressure in a reaction involving gases?
The equilibrium shifts toward the side with fewer gas molecules to reduce pressure
How does temperature affect the equilibrium position?
Increasing temperature favours the endothermic direction, while decreasing temperature favours the exothermic direction
What is Le Châtelier’s principle?
If a system at equilibrium is disturbed, the equilibrium moves in the direction that tends to reduce disturbance
What happens to the equilibrium position if a factor affecting the equilibrium is changed?
The equilibrium shifts to oppose the change
What does Le Châtelier’s principle help to determine?
Whether the equilibrium will move to the right (favouring products), or to the left (favouring reactants) when conditions change
What are some factors that can disturb an equilibrium?
Changes in temperature, pressure, or concentration of reactants or products
What does the equilibrium do in response to an increase in reactant concentration?
It shifts to the right to produce more products and reduce the disturbance
What does the equilibrium do if the temperature is increased in an exothermic reaction?
It shifts to the left (favouring reactants) to oppose the increase in temperature
What is the effect of adding more B in the reaction A(aq) + B(aq) → C(aq) + D(aq)?
The equilibrium shifts to the right, producing more C and D as more B reacts with A
What happens to the equilibrium if you increase the concentration of one of the reactants?
The equilibrium will shift in the direction that reduces the concentration of that reactant
