Reversible Reactions

What is dynamic equilibrium?

When the forward and backward reaction happen at the same rate. The concentration of the reactants of products don’t change. This only happens in a closed system.

What is Le Chatelier’s principle?

If a reaction at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, pressure or temperature, the position of equilibrium will shift to counteract the change.

What is the effect of changing concentration on equilibrium?

• If you increase the concentration of a reactant, the equilibrium would shift to the right in order to make more product to get rid of the extra reactant

• If you increase the concentration of the product, the equilibrium shifts to the left in order to remove the extra product.

What is the effect of changing pressure on equilibrium?

• Only affects gases

• Increasing the pressure shifts the equilibrium to the side with fewer gas molecules in order to reduce the pressure back down

• Decreasing the pressure shifts equilibrium to the side with more gas molecules in order to raise the pressure back up

What is the effect of changing temperature on equilibrium?

• Increasing the temperature causes equilibrium to shift in the endothermic direction in order to absorb the extra heat

• Decreasing the temperature causes equilibrium to shift in the exothermic direction in order to replace the heat.

What is the effect of adding a catalyst to equilibrium?

Catalysts have no effect on the position of equilibrium as they can’t increase the yield of product- but they can help make equilibrium be reached faster.