Chemical Equilibrium Flashcards
What is chemical equilibrium?
Chemical equilibrium is the state in which the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, leading to constant concentrations of reactants and products in a reversible reaction.
What is a reversible reaction?
A reversible reaction is a chemical reaction where the products can react to reform the reactants. It can proceed in both forward and reverse directions.
What is dynamic equilibrium?
Dynamic equilibrium is the condition in which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction in a closed system, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products.
What factors affect the position of equilibrium in a chemical reaction?
The position of equilibrium can be affected by changes in concentration, temperature, and pressure, as well as the presence of catalysts.
How does a change in concentration affect the equilibrium position?
Increasing the concentration of reactants shifts the equilibrium position to the right (toward products), while increasing the concentration of products shifts it to the left (toward reactants).
How does temperature affect the equilibrium position?
For an exothermic reaction, increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium position to the left (favoring reactants). For an endothermic reaction, increasing temperature shifts it to the right (favoring products).
What is Le Chatelier’s Principle?
Le Chatelier’s Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to partially counteract that change and restore equilibrium.
How does pressure affect the equilibrium position?
For reactions involving gases, increasing pressure shifts the equilibrium toward the side with fewer moles of gas, while decreasing pressure shifts it toward the side with more moles of gas.
How does Le Chatelier’s Principle predict the effect of adding more reactant to a reaction at equilibrium?
Adding more reactant shifts the equilibrium position to the right, favoring the formation of more products.
What is the equilibrium constant (K)?
A: The equilibrium constant (K) is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a reversible reaction.
How does a change in temperature affect the equilibrium constant (K)?
For exothermic reactions, increasing temperature decreases the equilibrium constant (K), while for endothermic reactions, increasing temperature increases K.
Does a catalyst affect the equilibrium constant?
No, a catalyst does not affect the equilibrium constant. It only speeds up the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
