Chapter 1: Chemical Equilibrium

List ALL
Basic Questions
Basic Question 1
1.1.4

Know how to differentiate between steady state and equilibrium

Which of the following systems constitute steady state situations, and which are at equilibrium?
For each, a constant property is indicated.
a) An unopened bottle of sparkling water (a bottle containing CO2 and water).
Equilibrium (Closed system, rate of evaporation equals rate of condensation, no
macroscopic changes)
b) A Bunsen burner lit with a constant blue flame colour.
Steady state (Not a closed system, gases are leaving and entering the system)
Basic Question 2
1.1.6

Know that microscopic processes continue at equilibrium

True or false? Explain. At equilibrium, all microscopic processes stop.

False, at equilibrium microscopic properties continue at equal but opposite rates that lead
to no macroscopic changes.
Basic Question 3
1.1.6

Know what is meant by dynamic equilibrium

a) What, specifically, is equal in a chemical reaction that has attained a state of equilibrium?
Rate of forward reaction is equal to the rate of backward reaction.
b) Why are chemical equilibria referred to as dynamic?
Due to the existence of two equal but opposing microscopic processes that continue to take
place simultaneously at the same rate with no macroscopic changes
Also, the amount of reactants and products remain constant at equilibrium.
1

Basic Question 4
1.6.3

Use L.C.P to predict the effect of a given change on an equilibrium system

GT

1.6.3

LCP: Effect of a change in volume on an equilibrium system

GT

1. Le Chateliers Principle: Effect of a change in volume on an equilibrium system

a) Does Le Chateliers Principle predict a change of equilibrium concentrations for the
following reactions if the gas mixture is compressed? Give full explanation, showing the
imposed change and how the system reacts?
i.

H2(g) + Cl2(g)

2HCl(g)

No, it does not predict a change of equilibrium.

Le Chateliers principle states that when a system is subjected to a change, the
equilibrium will shift in such a direction as to partially reverse that change.
The change here is increase of pressure. The system can decrease the pressure by
reducing the number of gaseous particles. But because the number of gaseous particles
on either side of the equation is the same, the number of gaseous particles cannot
change. So the equilibrium will not shift in any direction.
ii.

2H2(g) + O2 (g)

2H2O(g)

Yes, equilibrium shifts to the right.

Imposed change : Pressure is increased
To partially counteract the imposed change: system decreases total pressure.
This happens by: H2 and O2 forming water (reducing total number of gaseous
moles).
Final concentration at equilibrium : [H2O] is higher , [H2] is lower , [O2] is lower.
b) Predict what would happen to equilibrium concentrations of H2O(g) and H2(g) respectively
if the partial pressure of all gases is increased by decreasing the volume of the reaction
chamber at 273C.
H2O(g) H2(g) + O2(g)
H = + 242 kJ
System wants to decrease pressure, to do so it must shift to the side that contains LESS
number of moles of GASES. In this case, the reactants have less moles of gases so the
equilibrium will shift to the left. Therefore [H2O] increases and [H2] decreases.

c) Which of the systems in equilibrium represented below will exhibit a shift to the left when
the pressure on the system is increased by reducing the volume of the system? (Assume that
temperature is constant)

a) 2Mg(s) + O2(g) 2MgO(s)

Explanation
Number of
moles of
gaseous
products
Zero

b) SF4(g) + F2(g) SF6(g)

Right

c) H2(g) + Br2(g) 2HBr(g)

No shift

d) N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)

Right

e) SO2Cl2(g) SO2(g) + Cl2(g)

Left

Number of
gaseous
reactants

1.6.4

Position of
equilibrium
shifts
Right

L.C.P: Effect of pressure on an equilibrium system with equal/ different

number of moles of gaseous reactants and products

GT

2. Le Chateliers Principle:
Effect of change of pressure on an equilibrium system with different number of gaseous
moles of reactants and products
a) Predict what would happen to equilibrium concentrations of H2O(g) and H2(g) respectively if
the partial pressure of O2 is increased by injecting more O2(g) into the reaction chamber at
273C.
H2O(g) H2(g) + O2(g)

H = + 242 kJ

The system wants to decrease the pressure of O2, equilibrium shifts to the left
consuming O2 and H2 while producing H2O. Therefore [H2O] increases and [H2]
decreases.
b) 2SO3(g) 2SO2(g) + O2(g)
After the equilibrium represented above is established, some pure SO2 (g) is injected into the
reaction vessel at constant temperature. Which of the following has a lower value compared
to its value at the original equilibrium?
a) Keq for the reaction
b) The total pressure in the reaction vessel
c) The amount of SO3 (g) in the reaction vessel
3

d) The amount of O2 (g) in the reaction vessel

e) The amount of SO2(g) in the reaction vessel
Explanation:
Imposed change: [SO2] is increased.
To partially counteract the imposed change, the system tries to reduce the [SO2] by
reacting with O2.
Equilibrium shifts to the left, [SO3] increases, [O2] decreases, [SO2] decreases but still
higher than the original, so the result is the [SO2] increases.
3. Le Chateliers Principle:
Effect of a change of pressure on an equilibrium system with equal number of gaseous
moles of reactants and products
Predict what would happen to equilibrium concentrations of CO(g) and NO(g) respectively if the
partial pressure of all gases is increased by decreasing the volume.
CO(g) + NO2(g) CO2(g) + NO(g)
Decreasing the volume, increases the pressure of all gases. System wants to decrease
pressure, to do so it must shift to the side that contains LESS number of moles of GASES.
In this case, the reactants and products have the same number of moles of gases, so the
equilibrium is not affected.
1.6.4

L.C.P: Effect of adding helium on an equilibrium system

GT

4. Effect of adding helium gas into the reacting chamber

Predict what would happen to equilibrium concentrations of H2O(g) and H2(g) respectively if the
pressure in the reaction chamber at 273C is increased by adding (unreactive) He(g).
H2O(g) H2(g) + O2(g)
H = + 242 kJ
Addition of He does not affect the partial pressures of H2, O2 or H2O, consequently the
equilibrium is not affected.
1.6.4

L.C.P: Effect of temperature on an equilibrium system

GT

5. Le Chateliers Principle: Effect of a change of temperature on an equilibrium system

a) Use L.C.P to predict the effect of a decrease in temperature on the equilibrium
concentration of SO3 (g).
SO2 (g) + O2 (g)

SO3 (g) + 96kJ

4

Imposed change: Decrease in temperature

To partially counteract the imposed change: system tries to increase temperature by
shifting in the exothermic direction
This happens by: shifting forward producing more energy. SO2 and O2 react to
form more SO3.
Final concentration at equilibrium: [SO3] increases

b) 4HCl (g) + O2(g) 2H2O (g) + 2Cl2 (g)

Ho = 113 kJ.mol-1
The equilibrium system represented above is contained in a sealed, rigid vessel. Which of the
following will decrease if the temperature of the mixture is raised?
a) [HCl (g)]
b) [O2 (g)]
c) [Cl2 (g)]
d) [HCl (g)] and [Cl2 (g)]
e) [O2 (g)], [HCl (g)] and [Cl2 (g)]

Explanation:
When the temperature is raised in an exothermic reaction, system tries to partially
counteract the imposed change and favours the endothermic reaction. Equilibrium shifts to
the left, the concentration of reactants increases while that of products decreases.

1.6.4

L.C.P: Effect of concentration on an equilibrium system

GT

6. Le Chateliers Principle:
Effect of altering concentration of reactant or product on an equilibrium system
a) Fe+3(aq) + SCN(aq) FeSCN+2(aq)
The reactants and products in the above reaction are at equilibrium. What would happen to
the [Fe+3(aq)] and [FeSCN+2(aq)] respectively if we add to the equilibrium mixture a few
crystals of KSCN?
Adding KSCN means increasing the concentration of [SCN-]. The system wants to
decrease the [SCN-]. To do so the equilibrium shifts to the right consuming the SCNand Fe3+ while producing FeSCN2+. Therefore, the [Fe+3] decreases and [FeSCN+2]
increases.
b) Fe+3(aq) + SCN(aq) FeSCN+2(aq)
What would happen to the [SCN(aq)] and [FeSCN+2(aq)] respectively if Fe+3(aq) is removed
by adding phosphate ions?
5

Removing Fe3+ means decreasing the concentration of [Fe3+]. The system wants to
increase the [Fe3+]. To do so the equilibrium shifts to the left consuming the FeSCN2+
while producing Fe+3 and SCN-. Therefore, the [SCN-] increases and [FeSCN+2]
decreases.
c) The chromate and dichromate ions are set up in equilibrium as follows:
heat + 2 CrO42- (aq) + 2 H+ (aq) Cr2O7 2-(aq) + H2O (l)
yellow
orange
What happens in each of the following cases? Complete the table below

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Change
Increase [H+]
Increase in [CrO42-]
Decrease [H+]
Add NaOH
Add HCl

1.6.4

Equilibrium shifts to
right
right
left
left
right

Color change
orange
orange
yellow
yellow
Orange

Change to [Cr2O72-]
increases
increases
decreases
decreases
Increases

L.C.P: Effect of adding solid on an equilibrium system

GT

7. Le Chateliers Principle: Effect of adding a solid on a system at equilibrium

Predict what will happen to the equilibrium concentration of CO2 (g) if some CaCO3 (s) is added
to the system
CaCO3 (s) CaO (s) + CO2 (g)
Adding a solid to a system at equilibrium does not affect position of equilibrium.
Therefore, the equilibrium concentration of CO2 is not changed.

1.6.4

L.C.P: Effect of adding a catalyst on an equilibrium system

GT

8. Le Chateliers Principle: Effect of catalyst on system at equilibrium

Consider the following system
2 SO2 (g) + O2 (g) 2 SO3 (g)
State the effect of adding a catalyst to the system on the position of equilibrium?
A catalyst does not affect the position of equilibrium. It offers an alternative pathway with
lower activation energy.

Basic Question 5
1.6.4

Application on Use of L.C.P: Haber Process

GT

1.6.4

L.C.P: Predict the optimum temperature and pressure for the Haber Process

GT

The yield can be defined as the percentage of reactants that form products.
How can we increase the yield of ammonia production?
N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)

H = 92 kJ

To maximize the yield of ammonia production we want the reaction to proceed to the right.
a) Temperature
The forward reaction is exothermic, a decrease in temperature favours ammonia
production so the temperature should be as low as possible. However a low temperature
affects the reaction rate (lowers the reaction rate).
Conclusion: Low temperature is required for a desirable equilibrium state and high
temperature is necessary for a satisfactory rate. The compromise used industrially involves
an intermediate temperature around 450C and even then the success of the process
depends upon the presence of a suitable catalyst to achieve a reasonable reaction rate.
b) Pressure
On the right there are less moles of gases, if we increase the pressure the system will shift
towards the side with lesser moles of gases to decrease it. Therefore the pressure used
should be as high as possible; however, it is expensive and dangerous to build high pressure
equipment.
Conclusion: A pressure of about 200 atmospheres is actually used as a compromise.
Basic Question 6
1.7.4

Know how to find Q and compare with Ksp to decide whether a system is at
equilibrium

Consider the following reaction, at 490C, (Keq = 45.9)

H2(g)
Initial concentrations 0.005 M

+ I2(g)
0.004 M

2HI(g)

0.01 M

At a certain instant in a reaction, the container is maintained at 490C, the following

concentrations were determined:
[HI] = 0.01 mole/dm3
[H2] = 0.005 mole/dm3
[I2] = 0.004 mole/dm3
7

a) Is the system at equilibrium? No,

[HI]2
(0.01)2
=
Q=
[H 2 ] [I 2 ] (0.005)(0.004)

=5

Since Q < K , the reaction is not at equilibrium

b) If not, which concentrations are increasing and which are decreasing?
Since Q < K, the reaction goes to the right , forming more HI thus reducing the
concentration of H2 and I2.
Basic Question 7
1.7.4

Given initial moles of reactants, volume and Keq find the equilibrium
concentrations of all species.

H2(g)

I2(g)

2HI(g)

1.0 mole of each of H2 (g) and I2 (g) are injected into a 2.0 dm3 container at 490C. Find the
equilibrium concentration of each species. Keq= 45.9
Given

R.T.F

n H2 = 1.0 mole

[H2 ]eq = ??
[I2]eq = ??
[HI]eq = ??

n I 2 = 1.0 mole

V = 2.0 dm3
K = 45.9

[I2] = [H2] = . = 0.50M

H2(g)

Initial concentrations 0.50 M

Part that reacts

-x

Equilibrium concentration 0.50 x

HI
H 2 I 2

= 45.9

2HI(g)

0.50 M

0.0 M

-x

+2x

0.50 x

Keq =

I2(g)

+2x

Gives:

2x

(0.50 - x)(0.50 - x)

= 45.9

Take the square root of both sides and solve for both values of x.
2x
= 6.8
(0.50 - x)
Solving for x gives x = 0.39 or 0.71. The second solution is impossible because it gives
negative concentrations for H2 and I2 .
[H2] = 0.5 x = 0.50 0.39 = 0.11 M
[I2] = 0.5 x = 0.50 0.39 = 0.11 M
[HI] = 2 x = 2 0.39 = 0.78 M
Basic Question 8
1.7.4

Given initial concentration of product, find the equilibrium concentrations of

all species

H2(g)

I2(g)

2HI(g)

2.0 moles of HI are injected into a 2.0 dm3 container maintained at 490C. Determine the
equilibrium concentrations of all species. Keq= 45.9
Given

R.T.F

nHI = 2.0 moles

V = 2.0 dm3
K = 45.9

[H2 ]eq = ??
[I2]eq = ??
[HI]eq = ??

[HI] = . = 1.0M

H2(g)
Initial concentrations

I2(g)

2HI(g)

0.0 M

0.0 M

1.0 M

Part that reacts

-2x

Equilibrium concentration

1- 2 x

HI
H 2 I 2
2

Keq =

1 - 2x
x x

= 45.9

= 45.9

Take the square root of both sides:

1 - 2x = 6.8
x

Solving for x gives x = 0.11 or -0.2. The second solution is impossible because it gives
negative values for the concentrations of H2 and I2.
[H2] = x = 0.11 M
[HI] = 1-2x = 1- (2 0.11) = 0.78 M

[I2] = x = 0.11 M

Basic Question 9
1.7.4

Given initial moles of reactant, volume and equilibrium moles of one of the
prodcuts find K

2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g)

When 0.80 mol of SO2 and 1.20 mol of O2 are placed in an evacuated 1.00-liter flask, the
reaction represented above occurs. After the reactants and the product reach equilibrium and
the initial temperature is restored, the flask is found to contain 0.60 mol of SO3. Based on
these results, the equilibrium constant, K, for the reaction is
Given

R.T.F

n SO2 = 0.80 moles

n O2 = 1.20 moles
V = 1.00 L

K = ???

[SO2] =
[O2] =

.
.

= 1.2 M

.
.

[SO3] =

= 0.80 M

= 0.60 M

2 SO2(g)
Initial concentrations
Part that reacts
Equilibrium concentration

O2(g)

2SO3 (g)

0.80 M

1.2 M

----

-2x

-x

+2x

0.80 - 2x

1.2 - x

0.60 M

Since the equilibrium concentration of SO3 is 0.60 M

10

Therefore, 2 x = 0.60

x = 0.30

At equilibrium:
[SO3] = 0.60 M
[SO2] = 0.80 2x = 0.80 0.60 = 0.20 M
[O2] = 1.2 x = 1.2 0.30 = 0.90 M

SO3 = (0.60)2 = 10
K=
2
SO2 O2 (0.20)2 (0.90)
2

Basic Question 10
1.7.4

Given Ksp of an insoluble salt find the equilibrium concentration of one of the
ions

a) AgCl(s)

K = 1.7 1010 at 25C

Ag+(aq) + Cl(aq)

At equilibrium, calculate the [Ag+(aq)]

Given

R.T.F

Ksp = 1.7 10-10

[Ag+]eq = ??

Initial concentrations
Part that reacts
Equilibrium concentration

AgCl
0.0 M
-x
-

Ag+(aq)
0.0 M
+x
x

K sp = [Ag+][Cl -] = x2 = 1.7 x 10 -10

[Ag+] = x =

b) PbCl2(s)

K sp = 1.3 x 10 -5 M

2+

Pb (aq)

K = 1.6 105 at 25C

+ 2Cl(aq)

At equilibrium, calculate the [Pb2+ (aq)]

Given

R.T.F

Ksp = 1.6 10-5

[Pb2+]eq = ??

11

Cl-(aq)
0.0 M
+x
x

Initial concentrations
Part that reacts
Equilibrium concentration

PbCl2
0.0 M
-x
-

K sp = [Pb2+][Cl -]2 = 4 x3 = 1.6 x 10 -5

[Pb2+] = x =

K sp
4

= 1.6 x 10 -2 M

12

Pb2+(aq)
0.0 M
+x
x

2Cl-(aq)
0.0 M
+2x
2x

Sample Questions
In all multiple choice questions, more than one answer could be correct
1.1 What is Equilibrium?
1.1.1 Equilibrium in chemical reactions
A reaction between gases
Sample Question 1
Equilibrium is reached when no more changes can be observed
The reaction CO(g) + NO2(g) CO2(g) + NO(g), reaches equilibrium when
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

all the NO2 would have changed to NO.

changes no longer can be observed.
all the CO would have changed to CO2.
all the CO and NO2 will disappear.
half the NO2 finishes.

A reaction involving solids

1.1.2 Recognizing equilibrium
Constancy of macroscopic properties
Sample Question 2
Equilibrium is recognized by constancy of macroscopic properties
In the reaction CaCO3(s) + heat CaO(s) + CO2(g) equilibrium is reached when
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

the partial pressure of CO2 becomes constant.

changes no longer can be observed.
macroscopic properties will stop changing.
microscopic interactions stop.
no further change is evident.
all the above are correct.

13

Sample Question 3
Know what macroscopic properties are
Macroscopic properties are those that can be
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

seen through a microscope.

seen through a macroscope.
measured, like pressure, color, concentration.
calculated, like the value of pi .
cannot be seen or measured, like happiness.

Closed system at constant temperature and pressure

Sample Question 4
Recognize a macroscopic property
Which of the following is NOT a macroscopic property?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Concentration.
Pressure.
Color.
Number of atoms per molecule.
Number of molecules reacting per second.
Volume.

Sample Question 5
Recognize a closed system
Which of the following is a closed system? (There could be more than 1 correct answer.)
A system consisting of
a)
b)
c)
d)

a closed flask in which water at room temperature and an ice cube are placed.
a public car park which is practically always full.
a bus where at every station the people who get on equal those who get off.
two closed rooms in which there are 1000 flies with an open connecting door
between them.
e) a sealed bottle of sparkling water in which there is more CO2 dissolved than in the
water found in the air above it.

14

1.1.3 Equilibrium in physical changes

Solubility of iodine
Vapor pressure
Sample Question 6
Vapor pressure of a liquid: What it means
The vapor pressure of a liquid at a certain temperature is the partial pressure of the liquid in the
gaseous phase above the liquid
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

just as it start evaporating.

when liquid particles stop evaporating.
when all the liquid has evaporated.
when liquid particles evaporate at the rate they are condensing.
when liquid molecules condense faster than they evaporate.
when the liquid particles in the gaseous phase stop condensing.

Sample Question 7
Equilibrium of iodine dissolving in water-alcohol mixture
Iodine crystals are in equilibrium with iodine dissolved in a water-alcohol mixture. At
equilibrium,
a) we say that the solution becomes saturated.
b) solid iodine stops dissolving.
c) both dissolution of iodine and precipitation of iodine take place at the same time, at
equal rates.
d) iodine stops depositing on the solid iodine.
e) there is no solid iodine left. It would have all dissolved.
f) there is no dissolved iodine left. It would all have precipitated.
1.1.5 Equilibrium in chemical reactions
Sample Question 8
Explaining equilibrium of NO2-N2O4 mixture
A mixture of NO2-N2O4 gases is sealed within a tube at constant temperature until the color of
the mixture becomes constant. At this point,
a) NO2 stops reacting to form N2O4.
b) NO2 reacts to form N2O4 and the opposite reaction continues to take place at the
same time, at equal rates.
c) N2O4 stops reacting to form NO2.
d) there is no NO2 left unreacted.
e) there is no N2O4 left.
15

1.1.6 The state of equilibrium

Sample Question 9
Know what a reversible equation tells us
What does the following equation NOT tell us? N2O4(g) 2NO2(g)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

That the forward and reverse reaction may take place simultaneously.
That there are two types of molecules present, N2O4 molecules and NO2.
That two molecules of NO2 are produced for every one molecule of N2O4 dissociated.
That two molecules of NO2 are consumed for every one molecule of N2O4 formed.
At equilibrium there will be twice as much NO2 as N2O4.
The reaction is fast.

1.2 Demonstration of the FeSCN2+ system

Sample Question 10
Know what happens when Fe(NO3)3 is added to KSCN
When 0.002 M KSCN, and water are placed into a small beaker and a few drops of Fe(NO3)3 are
added, which of the following is/are true?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

The color changes to deep red.

There are always at least four types of ions present: K+, SCN, Fe3+ and NO3.
A color appears due to the formation of hydrated thiocyanoiron (III) ion.
A color appears due to KNO3.
The deep red color diminishes.

Sample Question 11
Know what happens when Na2HPO4 is added to FeSCN2+(aq)
When a few crystals of Na2HPO4 are added to reaction represented by
Fe3+(aq) + SCN(aq) FeSCN2+(aq)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

the color changes to deep red.

there are four types of ions present: K+, SCN, Fe3+ and NO3.
a color appears due to hydrated thiocyanoiron (III) ion.
a color appears due to KNO3.
the deep red color diminishes due to removal of SCN ions.
the deep red color diminishes due to removal of Fe3+(aq) ions.
Fe3+(aq) ions are removed, which causes a decrease in the FeSCN2+(aq) ions.

16

1.3 Experiment of the FeSCN2+ system

1.3.1 Procedure
Sample Question 12
To dilute a solution by a certain factor by adding distilled water
A beaker contains 1.0 M NaOH(aq) solution. To produce a NaOH(aq) solution of molar
concentration 0.20 M, we transfer 2.0 ml (cm3) out of this beaker into a 25 ml cylinder and add
distilled water until the total volume reading becomes
a) 12 ml.
b) 10 ml.
c) 8 ml.
d) 5 ml.
e) 2 ml.
Number of moles in concentrated solution = number of moles in dilute solution

CV = C'V'
2.0
1.0
= 0.20 V'
1000
V' = 0.010 ml = 10 ml
1.3.2 Calculations
Sample Question 13
Equilibrium reactions do not go to completion: numerical application
Fe3+(aq) reacts with SCN(aq) ions to form FeSCN2+(aq) according to the equation
Fe3+(aq) + SCN(aq) FeSCN2+(aq)
0.02 mole Fe3+(aq) is mixed with 0.02 mole SCN(aq). The number of moles of FeSCN2+(aq) in
the resulting solution at equilibrium is
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

0.01 moles.
0.02 moles.
between 0.1 moles and 0.02 moles.
more than 0.02 moles.
less than 0.02 moles.

17

Sample Question 14
Make equilibrium [FeSCN2+(aq)] equal initial [SCN(aq)]
Fe3+(aq) reacts with SCN(aq) ions to form FeSCN2+(aq) according to the equation
Fe3+(aq) + SCN(aq) FeSCN2+(aq)
To make practically all the SCN(aq) react, so that the final equilibrium [FeSCN2+(aq)] = the
initial [SCN(aq)],
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

change the reversible arrow to a unidirectional arrow .

make the initial [SCN(aq)] very high.
make the initial [Fe3+(aq)] very high.
make the initial [FeSCN2+(aq)] very high.
make the initial [FeSCN2+(aq)] very low.

1.3.3 Questions
1.4 Film: Equilibrium
1.5 Altering the state of equilibrium
Sample Question 15
Effect on Equilibrium: Changing the concentration of a reactant or product
Experimental evidence shows that if we have a system at equilibrium, which of the following, if
changed, may change the equilibrium concentrations?
a) Changing the concentration of one reactant.
b) Changing the temperature.
c) Adding a suitable catalyst.

1.5.1 Concentration
1.5.2 Temperature
1.5.3 Catalysts
Sample Question 16
Know that the addition of a catalyst does not alter the equilibrium state
Which of the following is false? The addition of a catalyst to a system at equilibrium will
a)
b)
c)
d)

have the same effect on the rates of the forward and reverse reaction
lower the activation energy
affect the equilibrium concentrations
bring the system to equilibrium more rapidly

18

1.5.4 Attainment of equilibrium

Sample Question 17
Why at room temperature H2 reacting with O2 does not reach equilibrium
Consider: H2(g) + O2(g) H2O(g)+ Energy

H = 242 kJ

A large amount of heat is released if hydrogen reacts with oxygen. At room temperature, without
a catalyst, this reaction
a)
b)
c)
d)

takes place explosively because a lot of heat will be given.

takes place in about 10 minutes and reaches equilibrium.
takes place reasonably quickly giving light and heat.
will not reach equilibrium because the activation energy of the forward reaction is
very high.
e) will not reach equilibrium because the activation energy of the forward reaction is very
low.
1.6 Predicting New Equilibrium Concentrations
1.6.1 Le Chateliers Principle
Sample Question 18
Le Chateliers Principle: Statement
Le Chateliers Principle states that if an equilibrium system is subjected to a change,
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

processes occur that tend to counteract partially the imposed change, if possible.
processes occur that tend to support the imposed change, if possible.
processes occur that tend to counteract completely the imposed change.
this change will not affect a system at equilibrium.
if possible, the change will change the equilibrium concentrations.

1.6.2 Concentration and Le Chateliers Principle

1.6.3 Pressure and Le Chateliers Principle
1.6.4 Temperature and Le Chateliers Principle
1.6.5 Application: The Haber Process
1.7 Quantitative aspects of equilibrium
1.7.1 The equilibrium constant

19

1.7.2 The law of chemical equilibrium

Sample Question 19
Write the law of chemical equilibrium for a given reaction
For the reaction: 2HI(g) H2(g) + I2(g)
The law of equilibrium is usually written as
a) 2HI(g) H2(g) + I2(g)
b)

[H 2 ][I 2 ]
=K
2[HI]

c)

[H 2 ][I 2 ]
[HI]2

[HI]2
=K
d)
[H 2 ][I 2 ]
e)

[H 2 ][I 2 ]
=K
[HI]2

Sample Question 20
Write the mass action expression or reaction quotient
For the reaction: aA + bB eE + fF
the mass action expression or reaction quotient at any instant is the value of
a) Q =

[E]e [F]f
at that instant
[A]a [B]b

b) Q =

[E]e [F]f
at equilibrium
[A]a [B]b

[E]e [F]f
=K
c)
[A]a [B]b
d) (e[E]f[F])/(a[A]b[B]) = K
e) (e[E]f[F])/(a[A]b[B])

20

Sample Question 21
Stating the law of equilibrium in terms of mass-action expression
The law of chemical equilibrium can be stated as
a) every reaction reaches equilibrium
b) at equilibrium, the equilibrium constant has a constant value
c) at equilibrium, the mass action expression (reaction quotient) equals the
equilibrium constant
d) the constant K is called the equilibrium constant
e) for every law of equilibrium, K is constant
Sample Question 22
Writing law of equilibrium where one term is a solid
For the reaction: 2C(s) + O2(g) 2CO(g)
The law of equilibrium is usually written as
a) [C].[O2 ] = [CO2 ]
b) [C]/[2CO] = K
c) [C]/([CO].[O2 ]) = K
d) [CO]2 /[O2 ] = K
e) [O2 ]/[2CO]2 = K
Sample Question 23
Writing law of equilibrium where two or more terms are solid
For the reaction: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)
The law of equilibrium is usually written as
a) [Cu].[Ag + ] = [Cu 2+ ].[Ag]
b) [Cu 2+ ]/[2Ag + ] = K
c) ([Cu].[Ag+ ])/([Cu 2+ ].[Ag]) = K
d) ([Cu 2+ ].[Ag])/([Cu].[Ag+ ]) = K
e) [Cu2+ ]/[Ag + ]2 = K

21

Sample Question 24
Writing law of equilibrium where one term is liquid
For the reaction: H2O(l) H+(aq) + OH(aq)
The law of equilibrium is usually written as
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

[H2O] = [H+].[OH]
[H+][OH]/[H2O] = K
[H+][OH] = K
[H2O] = K
[H2O] / [H+][OH]= K

Sample Question 25
Know that temperature and solvent are the only factors that affect the value of the
equilibrium constant
What is/ are the factor(s) that affect the value of the equilibrium constant? Temperature
1.7.3 Large and small equilibrium constants
A large value of Keq
Sample Question 26
Solve a simple equilibrium exercise
a) A and B react to form C. Starting with a concentration of z M for A and B, find the
concentration of A, B and C at equilibrium.

Initial concentration
Part that reacts
Equilibrium Concentration

A
z
-x
z-x

B
z
-x
z-x

C
+x
x

b) Consider the following reaction

Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)
1.0 M
---0.20 M
a
b
d
Determine the values of a, b and d
Since

2Ag+
Cu 2+
2
1
0.20 M
????
a = d = 0.10 M
b = 1.0 0.20 = 0.80 M

0.10 M

22

c) Find the value of each of a, b and d in terms of c and x:

Cu(s)
Initial concentration
Part that reacts
Equilibrium concentr.

+ 2Ag+(aq)
cM
x
b

Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)
---a
d

( 2 moles of Ag+ give 1 mole of Cu2+ , so if x moles of Ag+ react, moles of Cu2+ form)
2
b = c-x
(Initial amount - change)
x
x
d=a=
(Initial amount + change = 0 + )
2
2
a=

Sample Question 27
Find the final concentrations if Keq is large, given initial concentrations
a) Consider the reaction: Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s), Keq at 25C = 2.0 1015
If initially we start with excess copper in a 1.0M solution of AgNO3 solution, the concentrations
of Ag+(aq) and Cu2+(aq) will be respectively (to the nearest 0.1 M)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

0.0 M and 1.0 M.

0.0 M and 2.0 M.
0.0 M and 0.50 M.
1.0 M and 0.0 M.
0.5 M and 0.50 M.

b) A given reaction has a Keq value of 1.0 1012, from this we can conclude that:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

at equilibrium, there are much more reactants than products.

equilibrium lies to the far right.
the reaction goes almost to completion.
the reaction rate is very fast.
at equilibrium, there are much more products than reactants.

A small value of Keq

Sample Question 28
Know that if Keq is large, Keq for the reverse reaction is small
For a give n reaction, Keq at 25C = 2.0 1015. For the reverse reaction,
a) Keq at 25C = 2.0 1015
b) Keq at 25C = 2.0 1015
c) Keq at 25C = 1/(2.0 10 15)
23

d) The reaction proceeds almost to completion.

e) At equilibrium, only a small amount of product will be present.
Sample Question 29
Small K implies little amount of products formed at equilibrium
For the reaction: AgI(s) Ag+(aq) + I(aq), K = 1016
The concentration of the I(aq) at equilibrium closest to
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

0.0 M.
0.1 M.
0.5 M.
1.0 M.
5 M.

Sample Question 30
Calculate [H+] in pure water, given Kw
Given that Kw = 1014 at 25, calculate the [H+] in pure water
a) 1014
b) 107 molar
c) 107 g/mol
Kw = [H+][OH-] = 1.0 x 10-14
[H+] = [OH-] = = 1.0 x 10-7 M
Sample Question 31
Given equilibrium concentrations, calculate Keq
In the reaction: 2HI(g) H2(g) + I2(g)
At 480C the partial pressure of the gas at equilibrium are as follows:
[HI] = 4.0 103 atm
[H2] = 8.0 103 atm
[I2] = 4.0 105 atm
What is the equilibrium constant for this reaction?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

4.0 102
2.0 102
1.0 102
8.0 105
2.0 103

[H 2 ][I 2 ] (8.010-3 )(4.010-5 )

K eq =
=
= 0.020 = 2.010-2
2
-3 2
[HI]
(4.010 )
24

Sample Question 32
Given Kw and one equilibrium concentration, find the other
In the reaction: H2O(l) H+(aq) + OH(aq), Kw = 1.0 1014 at 25C
The [H+(aq)] = 0.01 M. Therefore [OH (aq)] =
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

1.0 1016 M
2.0 1012 M
1.0 1012 M
1.0 107 M
2.0 107 M

K w = [H + ][OH - ]
[OH - ] =

K w 1.010-14
=
= 1.010-12 M
[H + ]
0.010

1.7.4 Equilibrium Concentrations

Is a system at equilibrium?
Calculating equilibrium concentrations
1.8 The law of equilibrium from rates of reactions
1.9 Factors which determine equilibrium
1.9.1 Tendency towards lower potential energy
Sample Question 33
Predict the effect of randomness and energy on a given equilibrium system
a) The decomposition of calcium carbonate is endothermic.
Heat energy + CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Which of the following is true?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

The tendency towards minimum energy favors the reactants.

The tendency towards maximum randomness favors the products.
At equilibrium, both reactants and products will be found.
Heating increases molecular motion, hence it tends to favor products.
More heating favors the formation of CaO.

25

(True)
(True)
(True)
(True)
(True)

b) A certain amount of water is placed in a sealed container. The evaporation of water is

Endothermic:
Heat + H2O(l) H2O(g)
Which is true?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

The tendency towards minimum energy favors the reactants.

The tendency towards maximum randomness favors the products.
At equilibrium, both liquid and gaseous water will be found.
Heating increases molecular motion, hence it tends to favor products.
More heating favors the formation of H2O(g).

26

(True)
(True)
(True)
(True)
(True)