Chemical Equilibrium Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards on the concept of chemical equilibrium, covering key terms and definitions.

Chemical Equilibrium

Occurs when a reaction and its reverse reaction proceed at the same rate.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state where both forward and reverse reactions are occurring at the same rate, resulting in constant concentrations.

Equilibrium Constant (Kc)

The value that expresses the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium at a given temperature.

Le Châtelier’s Principle

States that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed, the system will shift in a direction to counteract the disturbance.

Reaction Quotient (Q)

The ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at any point in time, used to determine which direction a reaction will shift.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs heat, shifting equilibrium toward products when heat is added.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases heat, shifting equilibrium toward reactants when heat is added.

ICE Table

A tool used to organize initial concentrations, changes in concentrations, and equilibrium concentrations for a reaction.

Double Arrow in Equilibrium Expression

Indicates that both the forward and reverse reactions are taking place simultaneously.

K >> 1

Indicates that products predominate at equilibrium.

K << 1

Indicates that reactants predominate at equilibrium.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of both the forward and reverse reactions without altering the equilibrium composition.

Changes in Volume or Pressure

Affects equilibrium by favoring the side with more moles of gas when pressure decreases or volume increases.

Changes in Concentration

Adding a component decreases its concentration, while removing it increases its concentration in a system at equilibrium.

Equilibrium Position

The state of a reaction mixture when the concentrations of all reactants and products remain constant.

Brown NO2(g)

Formed when N2O4(g) partially dissociates upon warming.