1.7.1

Dynamic Equilibrium & Le Chatelier

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Dynamic Equilibrium

If a reversible reaction happens in a closed system, a dynamic equilibrium will eventually be reached.

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Closed system

  • A closed system is a system where reactants and products can neither be added nor removed.
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Dynamic equilibrium

  • At dynamic equilibrium, the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the backward reaction.
  • The equilibrium is dynamic because both the forward and backward reactions are still taking place.

Le Chatelier's Principle

Le Chatelier's principle is a powerful tool for predicting the effect of physical changes on an equilibrium.

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Definition

  • Le Chatelier's principle is simple but powerful.
  • Le Chatelier's principle states that when a change is imposed on an equilibrium, the equilibrium position will shift to oppose the change.
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What changes?

  • The change Le Chatelier refers to can be as a result of:
    • Change in temperature.
    • Change in pressure.
    • Change in concentration.
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Equilibrium position

  • The equilibrium position describes how much of each chemical you have.
    • If you have 50% reactants and 50% products, that is one position.
    • If you have 75% reactants and 25% products, that is another.
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Le Chatelier's principle in practice

  • If you change a system by heating it, increasing the pressure, or changing the concentration of a reactant, the proportion of reactants and products will change to:
    • Reduce the temperature.
    • Reduce the pressure.
    • Change the concentration of a reactant.
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An example

  • Say you have a reversible reaction, and the forwards reaction is exothermic (gives out heat).
  • If you cool the reaction down (e.g. by submerging it in an ice bath), the equilibrium position shifts to the right (i.e. the forwards reaction increases).
    • This will counteract the change and return the temperature of the system back towards its original value.
    • This increases the proportion of products relative to reactants.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

1.1Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2Atomic Structure

1.3Chemical Bonding

1.4States of Matter

1.5Chemical Energetics

1.6Electrochemistry

1.7Equilibria

1.8Partition Coefficient

1.9Reaction Kinetics

2Inorganic Chemistry

3Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2Hydrocarbons

3.3Halogen Derivatives

3.4Hydroxy Compounds

3.5Carbonyl Compounds

3.6Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7Nitrogen Compounds

3.8Polymerisation

3.9Analytical Techniques

3.10Organic Synthesis

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