equilibrium master

1.

Q: What is chemical equilibrium?

A: A state where the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal and concentrations remain constant.

2.

Q: What is the equilibrium expression for \( aA + bB \rightleftharpoons cC + dD \)?

A: K = \frac{[C]^c[D]^d}{[A]^a[B]^b}

3.

Q: What substances are omitted from equilibrium expressions?

A: Pure solids and pure liquids.

4.

Q: What is the difference between K_c and K_p?

A: K_c uses concentrations (mol/L); K_p uses partial pressures (atm).

5.

Q: What is the reaction quotient Q?

A: Same as K, but uses initial or current concentrations.

6.

Q: What does it mean if Q < K?

A: The reaction shifts right to form more products.

7.

Q: What does it mean if Q > K?

A: The reaction shifts left to form more reactants.

8.

Q: What is an ICE table used for?

A: To organize Initial, Change, and Equilibrium concentrations.

9.

Q: What is Le Châtelier’s Principle?

A: A system at equilibrium shifts to oppose changes in concentration, pressure, or temperature.

10.

Q: How does increasing reactant concentration affect equilibrium?

A: Shifts right (toward products).

11.

Q: How does increasing product concentration affect equilibrium?

A: Shifts left (toward reactants).

12.

Q: How does pressure change affect equilibrium in gas reactions?

A: Increase in pressure shifts toward fewer gas moles; decrease shifts toward more.

13.

Q: What effect does a catalyst have on equilibrium position?

A: None. It only speeds up reaching equilibrium.

14.

Q: How does temperature affect equilibrium for exothermic reactions?

A: Increasing temperature shifts left (heat is a product).

15.

Q: How does temperature affect equilibrium for endothermic reactions?

A: Increasing temperature shifts right (heat is a reactant).

16.

Q: What is the formula relating K_p and K_c?

A: K_p = K_c(RT)^{\Delta n}

17.

Q: In the equation K_p = K_c(RT)^{\Delta n}, what is \Delta n?

A: The change in gas moles: \text{mol products} - \text{mol reactants}

18.

Q: What is the relationship between Gibbs Free Energy and K?

A: \Delta G^\circ = -RT \ln K

19.

Q: If \Delta G^\circ < 0, what does that say about K?

A: K > 1; products are favored.

20.

Q: If \Delta G^\circ > 0, what does that say about K?

A: K < 1; reactants are favored.

21.

Q: What are the steps to solve an equilibrium problem with unknown concentrations?

A: Write the equation, set up ICE table, use the K expression, solve for x, calculate concentrations.

22.

Q: What is the only factor that changes the value of K?

A: Temperature

23.

Q: What does it mean when Q = K?

A: The system is already at equilibrium.

24.

Q: Why is it important to use Kelvin in equilibrium equations?

A: Thermodynamic equations like \Delta G = -RT \ln K require absolute temperature.

25.

Q: What mistake should you avoid in writing equilibrium expressions?

A: Including solids or liquids, or incorrect stoichiometric exponents.