Chapter 17 Flashcards
equilibrium constant (K)
the value obtained when equilibrium concentrations are substituted into the reaction quotient.
Haber process
an industrial process used to form ammonia from its elements.
law of chemical equilibrium (law of mass action)
the law stating that, when a system reaches equilibrium at a given temperature, the ratio of quantities that make up the reaction quotient has a constant numerical value
Le Chatelier’s Principle
a principle stating that, if a system in a state of equilibrium is disturbed, it will undergo a change that shifts its equilibrium position in a direction that reduces the effect of the disturbance
metabolic pathway
a biochemical reaction sequence that flows in one direction, with each reaction catalyzed by an enzyme
reaction quotient (Q)
a ratio of terms for a given reaction consisting of product concentrations multiplied together and divided by reactant concentrations multiplied together, with each concentration raised to the power of its balancing coefficient. The value of Q changes until the system reaches equilibrium, at which point it equals K
van’t Hoff equation
an equation for calculating the change in equilibrium constant that occurs with a change in temperature
Q<K
shift to the right
Q>K
shift to the left
Q=K
at equilibrium
K>1
mostly products
K<1
mostly reactants
K=1
reactants and products are basically equal
