Equilibrium position Flashcards
What is equilibrium position
Refers to whether the forward reaction is favoured or the reverse reaction is favoured
What happens when forward reaction is favoured
The rate of the forward reaction increases greater than that of the reverse reaction
Or
Rate of forward reaction decreases to a lesser extent than the reverse reaction
What happens when the reverse reaction is favoured
The rate of the reverse reaction increases greater than the rate of the forward reaction
or
the rate of the reverse reaction decreases to a lesser extent than the forward reaction
If Kc is small (<1) what does it mean
concentration of reactants is proportionately larger than concentration of products
Reverse reaction is favoured, equilibrium position is to the left
If Kc is large (>1) what does it mean
the concentration of products must be proportionately larger than the concentration of reactants
forward reaction is favoured, equilibrium position is towards the right
What is the reactant quotient
Q, provides a measurement of relative amounts of products and reactants present in a mixture at a point in time
What does the reaction quotient aid
It helps determine which direction a chemical reaction is likely to proceed based on concentrations of reactants and products
What does reactant quotient describe
It describes a reaction that is not at equilibrium
Describe some comparisons between equilibrium constant and reaction quotient
K describes reaction at equilibrium while Q describes a non equilibrium situation
if (Q>K) the reaction favours the reactants more products qare present than would be at equilibrium
if Q<K the reaction favours the products
What can reaction quotient also calculate,
initial reagent concentration prior to the system reaching equilibrium
Will the final ratio between reactants and products change throughout the reaction
no
