Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Review

Front

Define chemical equilibrium.

Back

Chemical equilibrium occurs when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction.

Front

What does it mean if a reaction is reversible?

Back

A reversible reaction can proceed in both the forward and reverse directions.

Front

What happens to the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium?

Back

The concentrations of reactants and products remain constant at equilibrium.

Front

What symbol indicates that a reaction is reversible?

Back

The double arrow (↔) indicates that a reaction is reversible.

Front

What is Le Chatelier's Principle?

Back

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to counteract that change.

Front

If the concentration of a reactant is increased, what will happen to the equilibrium position?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the right, favoring the formation of products.

Front

If the temperature of an exothermic reaction is increased, what will happen to the equilibrium position?

Back

The equilibrium will shift to the left, favoring the formation of reactants.

Front

What effect does increasing pressure have on a gaseous equilibrium?

Back

Increasing pressure shifts the equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas.

Front

What is the equilibrium constant (K)?

Back

The equilibrium constant (K) is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium.

Front

How does a catalyst affect equilibrium?

Back

A catalyst speeds up the rate of both the forward and reverse reactions equally, but does not affect the position of equilibrium.