equilibrium Flashcards
What are reversible reactions?
Reversible reactions are at equilibrium [although nothing appears to be happening]
The system is constantly moving [it is dynamic]
A reversible reaction is only completely dynamic when it is isolated [nothing is put in or taken out of our system ]
What is the actual definition of equilibrium
When the forward reaction is both occurring at the same rate as the backwards reaction and both reactants and products remain constant in a closed system
What are the features of dynamic equilibrium
- reactants are being converted into products = products are being converted into reactants [at the same time]
- a chemical system is in dynamic equilibrium when the concentration of reactants and products is constant
- the rate of forward reaction is the same as the rate of the backward reaction
What are some factors affecting the position of equilibrium?
- temperature (if high, favours endothermic reaction vice a versa)
- pressure (if gas) [ if the pressure is high, it favours. The side with less moles of gas]
- concentration of reactants /products in comparison to the concentration of the reactants/products
What is a way of determining the position of equilibrium?
The extent of the reaction
What does le chateliers (le chat) principle state?
When a system in dynamic equilibrium is subjected to change, the position of the equilibrium will shift to minimise the change
What does le chat’s principle explain?
The system will move to minimise any change to the position of the equilibrium . It will move to carry out the forward/reverse reaction more
(It does the opposite to what you do)
How do we manipulate the position of equilibrium ?
Temperature , concentration, pressure [gas]
What is the effect of changing the temperature on the position of equilibrium?
The effect of a change in temperature on the position of the equilibrium will depend on the enthalpy of the reaction
