Equilibrium Law Flashcards
What is the purpose of the equilibrium law?
It mathematically describes a chemical equilibrium in a closed system. It takes a balanced equation and represents it quantitatively.
What is the equation for equilibrium law?
Q= [C]^c[D}^d
[A]^a[B]^b
From the equation aA + bB -> cC + dD
What does the value K tell us?
It describes the ratio of products to reactants.
When K < Q, what does this mean and why?
The reaction will be favored to proceed in the backwards direction. When K, our equilibrium constant, is less than Q, it means that Q must decrease to reach equilibrium at k.
What does it mean when K=1?
The system has equal amounts of products and reactants. The forward and reverse reactions are equally favourable.
What does the value of Q tell you?
It tells you if the forward or the reverse reaction is needed to reach equilibrium. It tells you if a shift is required to reach equilibrium.
What does the value of K tell you?
It tells you if the products (large K value) or the reactants (small K value) are favoured in equilibrium.
How can the value of K(equilibrium) be changed?
With a change in temperature.
What substances are included in the equilibrium law?
Gases and aqueous solutions are included; solids and pure liquids are not, because only the first two have a concentrations other than 100%.
What does it mean when Q=K?
It means the reaction is at equilibrium.
What does the Law of Equilibrium state?
Even if you start with different concentrations, there is a constant ratio between the equilibrium concentrations of reactants and products for each particular reaction.
