System Equilibrium

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AP Chemistry › System Equilibrium

Questions 1 - 5
1

Which of the following is not always true for the given arbitrary reaction in equilibrium?

The molar concentrations of reactants and products are equal

The forward and reverse reaction rates are equal

Each choice is always true for this equilibrium reaction

Explanation

The forward and reverse reaction rates are equal for reactions in equilibrium, however, the molar concentration of the reactants and products are usually not equal themselves. One can calculate the equilibrium constant using the equation below.

2

What is occuring when a mixture reaches a dynamic equilibrium state?

The forward and reverse reactions are occurring at the same rate

Only the forward reaction is occurring

Only the reverse reaction is occurring

Neither reaction is occurring; the mixture is completely static

Explanation

Dynamic equilibrium means that the forward and reverse reactions are occurring at the same rate so that there is no net change in the concentrations.

3

Determine the equilibrium expression for the following reaction:

Explanation

Equilibrium expressions are a ratio of the concentration of products raised to the stoichiometric coefficient, divided by reactants raised to the stoichiometric coefficient. Solids are omitted from this expression.

For the generic example , the equilibrium expression is .

For our given reaction, we can find the equilibrium expression in a similar manner. Do not forget to omit the solid component of the reaction!

4

Consider the following reaction:

A+2B\rightarrow2C

The equilibrium constant, K_{eq}, is 0.367.

In a reaction flask, you have a solution containing [A]=0.332\hspace{1 mm}M, [B]=0.0200\hspace{1 mm}M, and [C]=0.332\hspace{1 mm}M. Will the reaction proceed forward (to the right), or backwards (to the left)?

The reaction will proceed to the left

The reaction will proceed to the right

The reaction will not proceed

The reaction will proceed both to the right and two the left, but at equal rates

None of the available answers

Explanation

For the reaction:

A+2B\rightarrow2C

The expression for the equilibrium constant is:

K_{eq}=\frac{[C]^2}{[A][B]^2}

The reaction quotient is:

Q=\frac{[C]^2}{[A][B]^2}=\frac{[0.332]^2}{[0.332][0.0200]^2}=830\hspace{1 mm}M^{-1}

The reaction quotient is much larger than the equilibrium constant, so the reaction will proceed to the left.

5

Which of the following accurately describes what occurs in reversible reactions?

The reaction can proceed in both the forward and reverse directions, and these reactions do not usually go to completion.

The reaction can proceed in both the forward and reverse directions, and these reactions always go to completion.

The reaction can proceed in the forward direction to completion.

none of the above

Explanation

The definition of reversible reactions is that they are indeed reversible; in other words, they can proceed in the forward and reverse directions. Since the products can react as well to reform the reactants, these reactions usually do not proceed to completion and instead exist in a dynamic state.

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