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Chemical Equilibrium

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This chapter provides a deep dive into chemical equilibrium, beginning with the concept of reversible reactions and how equilibrium is achieved when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions become equal. The notes clearly define the reaction quotient (Qc) and equilibrium constant (Kc), teaching how to write expressions for both and interpret their values to determine whether a reaction mixture is at equilibrium or which direction it will shift to reach it. You'll also explore heterogeneous equilibria, understand which species are included in K expressions, and learn how manipulating reactions (reversing, scaling, or combining) affects K. The chapter walks through Kp and Kc relationships for gaseous systems and introduces the ideal gas law connection. In the final section, you'll connect Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) to the equilibrium constant to assess spontaneity. These notes include formula summaries, worked examples, and tips on predicting shifts using Le Châtelier’s Principle, making them essential for mastering equilibrium problems on assignments and exams.

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Ch 16 – Chemical Equilibrium


Section 16.1 – The Concept of Equilibrium

What does it mean if a reaction is a reversible process?
The
products of a rxn can react to form reactants


What does it mean when a reaction has achieved equilibrium?
The concentrations of both
species reach levels where they remain constant
be the 2 processes are occurring at the same rate

The end of this section describes two important things to remember about equilibrium.
1. Equilibrium is a dynamic state. What does that mean?
both forward + reverse rxns continue to occur , although there is no net

change time
in reactant & product concentrations over



only reactants
2. Equilibrium can be established starting with _______________________________,
only products
with ______________________________, any mixture of reactants products
or with ____________________________.
+




Section 16.2 – The Equilibrium Constant

What information does a reaction quotient (Qc) tell you? The relative amounts of

products + reactants present at any given time in a rxn




What does the subscript “c” mean?
concentration

Write the reaction quotient expression for the balanced reaction aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD:
a

[C] [D]
Qc =
[A]"[B]3
Work through Worked Example 16.1. Once you understand the steps needed to solve this type
of problem, challenge yourself with the 3 Practice Problems (Attempt, Build, Conceptualize).
Write the rxn quotients for the following rxns-



a) N2(g) +
3Hn(g)2INH3(9)mQuw 2]
b) 20s(9) 30219 -
ot
1

, (QE)
equilibrium Constant (Kc)
For a system at equilibrium, the reaction quotient is equal to ___________________________.



Write the equilibrium constant expression (the law of mass action) for aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD:




D
notice it is the same as


Kc =
the reaction quotient equation




Work through Worked Example 16.2. Once you understand the steps needed to solve this type
of problem, challenge yourself with the 3 Practice Problems (Attempt, Build, Conceptualize).



Look at Table 16.1 on page 730. What do you notice about the value of Kc ([NO2]2/[N2O4]; last
column) when the experiment starts with different initial concentrations of NO2 and N2O4?




One of the things the equilibrium constant tells us is the extent to which ___________________
a reaction will

____________________________________________________________________________.
proceed at a particular temperature if we combine stoichiometric amounts of reactants

products
right or “favor _________.”
A reaction with a very large Kc value is often said to “lie to the _______”
left
A reaction with a very small Kc value is often said to “lie to the _______” reactants
or “favor _________.”



In general, what values of Kc are considered “large?” greater than 1x102

In general, what values of Kc are considered “small?” less than 1x10-2

values between 1x102 and 1x10 indicates neither products or reactants are strongly favored
Saying that a reaction “lies to the right” means it is ( spontaneous / nonspontaneous ) as written.
-




Saying that a reaction “lies to the left” means it is ( spontaneous / nonspontaneous ) as written.
-




2

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