equilibrium basics Flashcards
1
Q
what is a reversible reaction?
A
reactions which take place in forward and backward directions
2
Q
state the two features of a dynamic equilibrium system
A
- the rate of the forward and backward reactions are equal
- the concentrations of reactants and products do not change
3
Q
why do the concentrations of reactants and products not change?
A
as fast as reactants are becoming products, products are becoming reactants
4
Q
why must equilibrium reactions be closed systems?
A
so that temp, pressure and concentration aren’t influenced by outside variables
5
Q
what is le chatelieur’s principle?
A
when a system in equilibrium is subject to external change, the system readjusts to minimise this change
6
Q
how is a dynamic equilibrium reached?
A
- forward reaction increases as reactants are used up
- backward reaction increases as the concentration of product increases
- DE = when rate of forwards and backwards reactions are equal
