AP Chemistry--Equilibrium Basics

Front

What is the equilibrium constant (K) for a reaction?

Back

The equilibrium constant (K) is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium, each raised to the power of their coefficients in the balanced equation.

Front

What does a large equilibrium constant (K >> 1) indicate about a reaction?

Back

A large equilibrium constant indicates that at equilibrium, the reaction favors the formation of products over reactants.

Front

What does a small equilibrium constant (K << 1) indicate about a reaction?

Back

A small equilibrium constant indicates that at equilibrium, the reaction favors the formation of reactants over products.

Front

How does the concentration of reactants affect the position of equilibrium?

Back

Increasing the concentration of reactants shifts the equilibrium position to the right, favoring the formation of products.

Front

How does the concentration of products affect the position of equilibrium?

Back

Increasing the concentration of products shifts the equilibrium position to the left, favoring the formation of reactants.

Front

What is Le Chatelier's Principle?

Back

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.

Front

What happens to the equilibrium position if a reactant is removed?

Back

If a reactant is removed, the equilibrium position shifts to the left to produce more reactants.

Front

What happens to the equilibrium position if a product is added?

Back

If a product is added, the equilibrium position shifts to the left to consume some of the added product.

Front

How do temperature changes affect equilibrium?

Back

For exothermic reactions, increasing temperature shifts equilibrium to the left (favoring reactants). For endothermic reactions, increasing temperature shifts equilibrium to the right (favoring products).

Front

What is the relationship between Kc and Kp?

Back

Kc (equilibrium constant in terms of concentration) and Kp (equilibrium constant in terms of pressure) are related by the equation Kp = Kc(RT)^(Δn), where Δn is the change in moles of gas.