Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far? - How far? The extent of chemical change
Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
🔑Concepts
Dynamic Equilibrium: This occurs in a closed system when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, i.e., . Macroscopic properties remain constant while microscopic processes continue.
The Equilibrium Law: For a reversible reaction of the form , the equilibrium constant expression is .
Magnitude of : If , the reaction is considered to go to completion. If , the reaction effectively does not take place. If , both reactants and products are present in significant amounts.
Reaction Quotient (): is calculated using the same expression as but with concentrations at any point in time. If , the reaction proceeds to the right. If , the reaction proceeds to the left. If , the system is at equilibrium.
Le Chatelier’s Principle: If a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in conditions (concentration, pressure, or temperature), the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change.
Effect of Temperature: Temperature is the only factor that changes the value of . For an exothermic reaction (), increasing temperature decreases . For an endothermic reaction (), increasing temperature increases .
Effect of Catalysts: Catalysts increase the rate of both forward and reverse reactions equally. They do not change the position of equilibrium or the value of ; they only allow equilibrium to be reached faster.
Gibbs Free Energy and Equilibrium: The position of equilibrium corresponds to the minimum value of Gibbs Free Energy () for the system. The relationship is given by .
📐Formulae
💡Examples
Problem 1:
For the reaction , the equilibrium concentrations at are , , and . Calculate the value of .
Solution:
Explanation:
Substitute the given equilibrium concentrations into the equilibrium constant expression. Note that the power for each concentration corresponds to its stoichiometric coefficient in the balanced equation.
Problem 2:
Consider the endothermic reaction . Predict the effect on the equilibrium position if: (i) The volume of the container is decreased. (ii) The temperature is increased.
Solution:
(i) Decreasing the volume increases the pressure. The system shifts to the side with fewer moles of gas. Since there is mole of gas on the left and moles on the right, the equilibrium shifts to the left. (ii) Since the reaction is endothermic (), increasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium in the direction that absorbs heat (the forward reaction). Thus, the equilibrium shifts to the right.
Explanation:
Le Chatelier's Principle states the system will oppose the change. Higher pressure favors the side with lower volume (fewer gas moles). Higher temperature favors the endothermic direction.
Problem 3:
Calculate the standard Gibbs free energy change for a reaction at where the equilibrium constant . (Use )
Solution:
Explanation:
Apply the thermodynamic relationship between the equilibrium constant and Gibbs free energy. A large () results in a negative , indicating the reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions.