Equlibrium Position

Question 1

Finding the concentrations that characterize a given equilibrium position:

Answer 1

1. Start with the given initial concentrations (pressures)
2. Define the change needed to reach equilibrium
3. Apply the change to the initial concentrations (pressures) and solve for the equilibrium concentrations (pressures)

Question 2

A small value of K means the equilibrium lies to the left; a large value of K means the equilibrium lies to the right

Answer 2

The size of K has no relationship to the speed at which equilibrium is achieved

Question 3

A set of reactant and product concentrations that satisfies the equilibrium constant expression

Answer 3

• There is one value of K for a given system at a given temperature
• There are an infinite number of equilibrium positions at a given temperature depending on the initial concentrations

Question 4

Q, the reaction quotient, applies the law of mass action to initial concentrations rather than equilibrium concentrations:

Answer 4

• If Q > K, the system will shift to the left to achieve equilibrium
• If Q