GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2: 4TH SUMMATIVE TEST REVIEWER
increase in the concentration of the species on the other side of the equation.
POINTERS:
I. Multiple Choice. All questions are based on this reviewer.
II. Complete the table.
a. Write the equilibrium constant expression, Kc and identify whether the equilibrium
is homogeneous or heterogeneous.
b. Identify which is dominant: reactants or products
c. Indicate whether the mixture is at equilibrium. If not, indicate the direction in
which the mixture must shift to achieve equilibrium.
III. Solving.
a. Calculate K when all equilibrium concentrations/ partial pressures are known
b. Calculate K from initial and equilibrium concentrations/ partial pressures
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EQUILIBRIUM AND LE CHATELIER’S PRINCIPLE
Chemical reactions may also reach a point of equilibrium where product molecules
are formed at the same rate as they re-form reactants.
A reversible reaction is one where both a forward reaction (forming products) and
a reverse reaction (re-forming reactants) can occur. Reversible reactions where both
reactions occur simultaneously reach a point of equilibrium. A reversible reaction
that reaches a point of equilibrium is indicated by the use of double arrows instead
of a single arrow, which implies a complete reaction.
The point of equilibrium in a reversible process is when both the forward and
reverse processes proceed at the same rate, so the concentrations of reactants and
products remain constant.
Dynamic equilibrium emphasizes the changing identities of reactants and products
despite the fact that the total amounts of each do not change.
Le Châtelier’s principle states: When stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the
system reacts in such a way to counteract the stress.
Analogy: If we spend too much money on clothes, we have to counteract that loss
by cutting back on expenses somewhere else. If we stay up too late one night
(studying, naturally), we must compensate the next night by getting to bed early or,
better yet, sleeping in the next morning.
The changes in a chemical system that affect the point of equilibrium include the
following:
1. A change in concentration of a reactant or product
An increase in the concentration of a reactant or product ultimately leads to an
2. A change in the pressure on a gaseous system
In general, an increase in pressure on a gaseous system shifts the point of
equilibrium in the direction of the smaller number of moles of gas.
3. A change in the temperature
For an exothermic reaction, cooling the reaction mixture increases the
concentration of products when equilibrium is re-established. For an endothermic
reaction, where heat can be considered as a reactant, heating the reaction mixture
increases the concentration of products at equilibrium.
In 1914, a German scientist found a way to make this reaction economical. Unfortunately, the
ammonia produced was first used to make explosives, which were used by Germany in World
War I. Now, however, the reaction (known as the Haber process, after its discoverer, Fritz
Haber) is used mainly to produce ammonia for fertilizer or other nitrogen compounds used for
the same purpose. Without this process at work today, it is estimated that only about 40% of
the world’s population could be fed.
Catalysts play a very significant role in many chemical reactions with industrial
significance. A catalyst in a system that reaches a point of equilibrium increases the
rate of both the forward and reverse reactions proportionally but does not change
the point of equilibrium. The function of a catalyst is simply to reach the point of
equilibrium in less time. However, with a catalyst, exothermic reactions can be run
at considerably lower temperatures, thus increasing the yield of products.
KEY TERMS
 Collision theory describes how reactants are transformed into products.
 An activated complex is formed at the instant of transformation. The
activation energy is the energy required to form this complex.
 The rate of the reaction is a measure of the time required to transform
reactants into products.
 A catalyst affects the rate of the reaction but does not change the eventual
amount of reactants and products.
 A reversible reaction reaches a point of equilibrium. It is referred to as a
dynamic equilibrium, since the actual reactants and products are
constantly changing.
 Le Châtelier’s principle predicts the effect of changing conditions on the
eventual distribution of reactants and products