Chemical Equilibrium

Front

What is dynamic equilibrium?

Back

A state in which the rate of forward reaction equals the rate of reverse reaction, and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.

Front

What does the law of mass action state?

Back

At equilibrium, the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants, each raised to the power of their respective stoichiometric coefficients, is constant at a given temperature.

Front

What is the difference between a reversible and a non-reversible reaction?

Back

A reversible reaction can proceed in both forward and reverse directions, while a non-reversible reaction occurs in only one direction.

Front

What does the equilibrium constant (K) represent?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the reaction quotient (Q)?

Back

Q is used to determine the direction of the reaction by comparing it to the equilibrium constant (K). If Q < K, the reaction shifts to the right; if Q > K, it shifts to the left.

Front

What is Le Chatelier’s Principle?

Back

If a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, pressure, or temperature, the system will shift its equilibrium position to counteract the change.

Front

How does increasing the concentration of reactants affect equilibrium?

Back

Increasing the concentration of reactants shifts the equilibrium position to the right, favoring the formation of products.

Front

What happens to equilibrium when the volume of a container is decreased?

Back

Decreasing the volume increases pressure, causing the equilibrium to shift in the direction that produces fewer gas molecules.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on an exothermic reaction at equilibrium?

Back

Increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium to the left (toward reactants), while decreasing temperature shifts it to the right (toward products).

Front

What is the role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

Back

A catalyst speeds up the reaction by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy, but it does not affect the equilibrium position or the value of K.