Chapter 13 Chemical Equilibrium

Dynamic Equilibrium

A point in a reaction where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in no net change of reactants or products.

Reversible Reaction

A reaction where the reactants and products never completely run out, proceeding in both directions with conversions occurring at the same time.

Equilibrium Constant (K)

A number that represents the relationship between the quantities of products and reactants present in a reaction mixture at equilibrium.

Law of Mass Action

A principle stating that a balanced chemical reaction can be expressed as an equilibrium constant expression, with the value constant at equilibrium.

Equilibrium Constant Expression

An equation that relates concentrations or pressures of products and reactants to the equilibrium constant, K.

Homogeneous Equilibrium

A chemical equilibrium where the reaction mixture is either all in the gas phase or all in the aqueous phase.

Heterogeneous Equilibrium

A chemical equilibrium where the reaction mixture contains a mix of different phases.

Reaction Quotient

A number that represents the relationship between the quantities of products and reactants in a reaction mixture at any point during the course of a reaction.

Le Châtelier’s Principle

A principle stating that a disturbance to a chemical system at equilibrium results in the equilibrium shifting to counteract the disturbance.

ICE Table

A tool used in chemical equilibrium calculations to predict concentrations of reaction components or calculate an equilibrium constant.