Equilibrium Constants and Reaction Rates

The video tutorial explains equilibrium expressions and constants, focusing on the law of mass action. It discusses dynamic equilibrium, where forward and reverse reaction rates are balanced, and introduces the concept of detailed balance. Two examples are provided: a one-step mechanism involving N2O4 and NO2, and a multi-step reaction with hypothetical species. The tutorial emphasizes that equilibrium constants are ratios of rate constants, independent of concentration but dependent on temperature.

What is the primary factor that determines the value of an equilibrium constant?

• Volume

• Temperature

• Concentration of reactants

• Pressure

Which term describes the condition where the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal?

• Dynamic equilibrium

• Thermal equilibrium

• Chemical equilibrium

• Static equilibrium

What does the principle of detailed balance imply about reaction rates?

• Reverse rates are always faster

• Forward and reverse rates are equal

• Forward rates are always faster

• Rates depend on pressure

In the dissociation of N2O4 to NO2, what is the relationship between the forward and reverse rate constants at equilibrium?

• They are equal

• Their ratio equals the equilibrium constant

• They are independent of each other

• Their sum equals the equilibrium constant

What is the equilibrium constant expression for the reaction N2O4 ⇌ 2NO2?

• [NO2] / [N2O4]

• [N2O4]^2 / [NO2]

• [N2O4] / [NO2]^2

• [NO2]^2 / [N2O4]

In a multi-step reaction, how is the overall equilibrium constant determined?

• By subtracting the rate constants of each step

• By multiplying the equilibrium constants of each step

• By dividing the equilibrium constants of each step

• By adding the rate constants of each step

What role do intermediates play in determining the overall reaction mechanism?

• They are the final products

• They are not involved in the mechanism

• They are formed and consumed during the reaction

• They determine the initial reactants

How does temperature affect the equilibrium constant?

• It only affects the forward rate

• It has no effect

• It only affects the reverse rate

• It affects both forward and reverse rates

Why is the equilibrium constant independent of concentration?

• Because it only depends on pressure

• Because it is a ratio of rate constants

• Because it is a fixed value for all reactions

• Because it is determined by volume

What is a key characteristic of a good reaction mechanism?

• It is independent of temperature

• It matches the overall rate constant

• It has the fewest steps possible

• It involves only one reactant