Chemical Equilibrium

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What is chemical equilibrium?

Chemical equilibrium is the state in a reversible reaction where the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.

What is Le Chatelier's Principle?

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed, the system will shift in the direction that minimizes the disturbance.

How does temperature affect chemical equilibrium?

Temperature affects the position of equilibrium. An increase in temperature favors the endothermic reaction direction, while a decrease favors the exothermic reaction.

What is the equilibrium constant?

The equilibrium constant, K, is a numerical value that represents the ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations, each raised to their respective stoichiometric coefficients, at equilibrium.

How does pressure impact gaseous equilibria?

For gaseous equilibria, increasing pressure will shift the equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas, and decreasing pressure will shift it towards the side with more moles of gas.

Why are catalysts not affecting the equilibrium position?

Catalysts speed up both the forward and reverse reactions equally, thus they do not affect the position of equilibrium.

What is the reaction quotient?

The reaction quotient, Q, is calculated like the equilibrium constant but with initial concentrations. It's used to predict which direction a reaction will proceed to reach equilibrium.

How can the addition of a common ion affect equilibrium?

The addition of a common ion shifts the equilibrium position to decrease the concentration of the added ion, often resulting in precipitation or decreased solubility.

How is dynamic equilibrium different from static equilibrium?

In dynamic equilibrium, reactions continue to occur but at equal rates, while in static equilibrium, the system is completely inactive and no reactions occur.

What role do solvents play in chemical equilibrium?

Solvents can influence equilibrium by altering solubility, polarity, and concentration, affecting the position and extent of equilibrium.

How would you shift the equilibrium of an exothermic reaction to produce more products?

To shift the equilibrium of an exothermic reaction towards products, decrease the temperature or increase the concentration of reactants.

What is meant by the term 'equilibrium position'?

The equilibrium position refers to the relative concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium, which can be shifted by changing conditions like temperature or concentration.

Can all reactions reach equilibrium?

Not all reactions reach equilibrium. Some reactions are virtually irreversible, proceeding mainly to completion, with negligible reverse reaction.

What is the significance of the equilibrium expression?

The equilibrium expression shows the mathematical relationship between reactants and products at equilibrium, using their concentrations raised to respective coefficients.

How do changes in concentration affect equilibrium?

Changes in concentration shift the equilibrium in the direction that consumes added substances or replaces removed substances, per Le Chatelier's Principle.


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