3.4 Equilibiria

Question 1

Dynamic equilibrium

Answer 1

In a closed system, reversible reactions attain a state of dynamic equilibrium when the rate of forward and reverse reactions are equal

Question 2

Equilibrium

Answer 2

At equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant, but are rarely equal

Question 3

How to maximise profits using equilibrium?

Answer 3

To maximise profits chemists employ strategies to move the position of equilibrium in favour of the products

Question 4

Effect of catalyst on equilibrium

Answer 4

The addition of a catalyst increases the rates of the forward and reverse reactions equally. The catalyst increases the rate at which equilibrium is achieved but does not affect the position of equilibrium

Question 5

Effect of concentration on equilibrium

Answer 5

A + B = C + D (reversible reaction)
Increase concentration of reactants ( A + B ) either by removing products or adding reactants will cause the forward reaction to increase therefore more product (C + D) will be produced

Increasing the concentration of products (C +D) either by removing reactants or adding products will result in the rate of the reverse reaction increasing therefore producing more reactants (A + B)

Question 6

Effect of temperature on equilibrium

Answer 6

Increasing the temperature causes the equilibrium to shift and favour the endothermic reaction

Decreasing the temperature causes the equilibrium to shift and favour the exothermic reaction

Question 7

Effect of pressure on equilibrium

Answer 7

Increasing the pressure causes the equilibrium to shift and favour the side it’s the least gas moles.

Decreasing the pressure causes the equilibrium to shift and favour the side with the most gas moles .

If there are no gas moles or equal gas moles on each side then pressure will have no effect