CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
TERM DEFINITION
Dynamic chemical The rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. The
equilibrium concentrations of the reactants and products are constant. This dynamic equilibrium can
only be set up in a closed system.
N2(g) + 3H2 ⇌ 2H3(g) [reversible]
↳this is a dynamic equilibrium
Open system both energy and matter can be exchanged between the system and its surroundings- it
interacts continuously with its environment
Closed system energy can enter or leave the system freely, but no reactant or product can leave or
enter the system.
Reversible reaction a reaction where products can be converted back to reactants. Reversible reactions are
represented with double arrows.
Le Chatelier’s When a system is a dynamic equilibrium and a change is introduced, the reaction will
Principle respond by removing that change (setting up a new balance)
Factors
● In a reversible reaction, there is a forward reaction and there is a reverse
● The same factors that affect the rate of reaction are the same factors that will disturb the dynamic
equilibrium
Forward reaction releases heat, it is exothermic therefore the reverse is endothermic
Reverse reaction absorbs heat, it is endothermic
CONDITIONS FOR CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
- Must have a reversible reaction
- Must be closed system i.e (total=constant)
- Rate of forward reaction = rate of reversible reaction
- When the equilibrium in a closed system is disturbed, the system will reinstate. New equilibrium by
favoring the reaction that will oppose the disturbance
TERM DEFINITION
Dynamic chemical The rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. The
equilibrium concentrations of the reactants and products are constant. This dynamic equilibrium can
only be set up in a closed system.
N2(g) + 3H2 ⇌ 2H3(g) [reversible]
↳this is a dynamic equilibrium
Open system both energy and matter can be exchanged between the system and its surroundings- it
interacts continuously with its environment
Closed system energy can enter or leave the system freely, but no reactant or product can leave or
enter the system.
Reversible reaction a reaction where products can be converted back to reactants. Reversible reactions are
represented with double arrows.
Le Chatelier’s When a system is a dynamic equilibrium and a change is introduced, the reaction will
Principle respond by removing that change (setting up a new balance)
Factors
● In a reversible reaction, there is a forward reaction and there is a reverse
● The same factors that affect the rate of reaction are the same factors that will disturb the dynamic
equilibrium
Forward reaction releases heat, it is exothermic therefore the reverse is endothermic
Reverse reaction absorbs heat, it is endothermic
CONDITIONS FOR CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
- Must have a reversible reaction
- Must be closed system i.e (total=constant)
- Rate of forward reaction = rate of reversible reaction
- When the equilibrium in a closed system is disturbed, the system will reinstate. New equilibrium by
favoring the reaction that will oppose the disturbance
