Equilibrium Flashcards
What is equilibrium?
rate of forward reaction equals rate of the backwards reaction AND the concentration of each substance remains constant
What does homogenous mean?
all substances are in the same state
What is the equation for ammonia making?
N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3
What are the conditions for ammonia making?
450C, iron catalyst, 200 atmospheres
How do you know when equilibrium has been reached on a graph?
where all substances have levelled out
What do you have to mention to get marks in an exam when asked about what happens to equilibrium when ______ happens?
the equilibrium shifts to the ______ in order to oppose/counteract the ______ increase/decrease
What is in mind when conditions are chosen in industry?
conditions are chosen to maximise profits
Explain why a temperature is used?
-higher temp means higher energy costs
-at lower temps the rate of reaction is too slow
-so we use a compromise temp to maximise yield at a reasonable cost
Explain why a pressure is used?
-higher pressure requires more expensive machinery/reaction vessel
-at lower pressures the rate of reaction is too slow
-so we use a compromise pressure to maximise yield at a reasonable cost
Why are catalysts used?
-increases the rate of the forward and backward reaction equally
-reduce energy costs
-so more product can be made per unit time
