Equilibrium Flashcards
What is dynamic equilibrium?
- When a reversible reaction is left in a sealed container, and the forwards and backwards reactions ‘balance out’
-the products and reactants from this point are in ‘dynamic equilibrium’
analogies to remember concept of dynamic equilibrium
- Walking up down escalator as the same speed-not moving
- people leaving front of queue as fast as people join at back- stays same length
What is equilibrium position?
- the resulting balance of products and reactants in an equilibrium mixture
What is meant by equilibrium being ‘on the left’
- there are more reactants than products in the mixture
what is meant by equilibrium being ‘on the right’
- more products than reactants in the mixture
example of dynamic equilibrium to remember
decomposition of N2O4
Equation for decomposition of N2O4
N204 (g) <=> 2NO2 (g)
What colour is NO2 gas
Brown
In decomposition of N2O4, very dark brown mixture means…
equilibrium is (quite far) to the right
In decomposition of N2O4, very light yellow/almost colourless mixture means…
equilibrium is (quite far) to the left
Factors effecting direction of equilibrium shift (right or left)
- amount of reactants or products
- gas pressure
- temperature
What is Le Chatelier’s principle?
- ‘The equilibrium shifts to counteract any change imposed on it’
What is the shift direction when a substance is added?
In whichever direction uses it up
What is shift direction when a substance is removed?
In whichever direction creates it (so that more of it gets created)
What is shift direction when gas pressure is increased?
To whichever side has fewer moles of gas
