Equilibria Flashcards
What are the conditions for equilibrium?
closed system
concentrations of the reactants and products are constant
What is a dynamic equilibrium?
The forward and backward reactions are occurring simultaneously at a constant rate.
State Le Chatelier’s principle
If a factor affecting the position of equilibrium is altered, the position of equilibrium will shift to oppose the change.
What happens in a reversible reaction at equilibrium?
the forward and reverse reactions proceed at equal rates
the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant
Which are the three factors that affect equilibrium?
Pressure
Temperature
Concentration
What is a homogeneous equilibrium?
A reaction where every species is in the same physical state
What would be the effect of increasing the concentration of a reactant on the equilibrium?
The equilibrium will shift to the right to oppose the change
Therefore, more products will be produced
What woulld be the effect of increasing the concentration of a product on the equilibrium?
The equilibrium will shift to the left to oppose the change
Therefore, the reverse reaction will go faster
What would be the effect of increasing pressure on the equilibrium?
The equilibrium will shift to the side with fewer gas molecules
Therefore, reducing pressure
What is only affected by the change in pressure?
Gases
What would be the effect of increasing temperature on the equilibrium?
The equilibrium will shift in the endothermic direction
Therefore, the temperature will be decreased
What would be the effect of decreasing temperature ont the equilibrium?
The equilibrium will shift in the exothermic direction
Therefore, the temperature will be increased?
What does NOT affect the equilibrium position?
Catalysts
Why do catalysts not affect the position of equilibrium and yield?
They allow equilibrium to be reached faster
They speed up both forward and backward reactions at the same rate, therefore having no effect on the yield
Why are catalysts used in industry?
They allow lower temperatures to be used as they provide alternative routes with lower activation energie
Therefore, there are lower energy costs