Chapter 10 Flashcards
Chemical equilibrium
The point in a chemical reaction at which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the backwards reaction
Dynamic equilibrium
Dynamic equilibrium refers to the state in which the concentrations of all reactants and products have reached a steady value while reactions are still occurring. In this state, the rate of reaction of a particular species present equals the rate of its production
Explain what is meant by the term ‘dynamic state’ when describing equilibrium
The reaction is still occurring even though the amount of products and reactants remains constant
Reaction has never stopped
Q vs K
K is a set number that will be satisfied when the reaction number is at equilibrium, where as Q is a number calculated at any point in time of the reaction that gives an indication of whereabouts the reaction is with respect to equilibrium.
At equilibrium Q=K
Le Chatelier’s principle
If an equilibrium system is subjected to a change, the system will adjust itself to partially oppose the effect of the change and reinstate the equilibrium.
E.g. If a reactant is added to a solution at equilibrium, the system will convert some of the reactant to product to reinstate equilibrium