CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIA Flashcards
What does the activity of a compound tell us?
The activity of a compound tells us how the free energy/chemical potential of a compoud varies with the progress of the rxn
What is the activity of a gas?
P° = standard pressure of 1 atm
What is the activity of a pure solid or liquid?
What is the activity of a solution?
C° = standard concentration of 1 M
What species are used in a mass action expression?
Gaseous and aqueous species only
What is the formula for mass action expression?
Q = products / reactants = K (when dG = 0)
What is Q?
Q is the reaction quotient, a current or “right now” condition and can be calculated at any point
What is K?
Q converges into the equilibrium constant (K) as the system reacts and adjusts
The equilibrium constant (K) is constant unless what changes?
Temperature
What does it mean when K > 1?
K > 1 ; product favored (rxn moves forward)
What does it mean when K < 1?
K < 1 ; reactant favored (rxn moves in reverse)
How is K manipulated?
- When the rxn is reversed, K becomes 1/K
- Whe the rxn is doubled, K becomes K^2
What does it mean when Q < K?
Q < K ; too many reactants, so the rxn tends to move forwards
What does it mean when Q = K?
Q = K ; the rxn is at equilibrium (dG = 0)
What does it mean when Q > K?
Q > K ; there are too many products, so the rxn tends to move in reverse