Chemical equilibrium occurs when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions in a chemical system are equal, resulting in no net change in the concentration of reactants and products. At equilibrium, the system is in a state of dynamic balance, where both forward and reverse reactions are still occurring, but at the same rate.
Le Chatelier's Principle
Le Chatelier's principle states that if a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond by shifting the equilibrium position in order to counteract the stress and reestablish equilibrium. This principle can be applied to changes in concentration, pressure, and temperature.
For example, if the concentration of reactants is increased in an equilibrium reaction, the equilibrium position will shift towards the products in order to reduce the concentration of reactants and reestablish equilibrium. Conversely, if the concentration of products is increased, the equilibrium position will shift towards the reactants.
Similarly, if the pressure of a gaseous equilibrium system is increased, the equilibrium position will shift towards the side with fewer moles of gas in order to decrease the pressure and reestablish equilibrium. If the pressure is decreased, the equilibrium position will shift towards the side with more moles of gas.
Temperature also affects the equilibrium position. An endothermic reaction (one that absorbs heat) will shift the equilibrium position towards the products if the temperature is increased, and towards the reactants if the temperature is decreased. Conversely, an exothermic reaction (one that releases heat) will shift the equilibrium position towards the reactants if the temperature is increased, and towards the products if the temperature is decreased.
Equilibrium Constants
The equilibrium constant, denoted as K, is a measure of the relative concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium. The equilibrium constant expression is written as:
K = [C]^c[D]^d/[A]^a[B]^b
where [A], [B], [C], and [D] represent the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium, and a, b, c, and d represent the stoichiometric coefficients of the balanced chemical equation.
The equilibrium constant is constant at a given temperature, regardless of the initial concentrations of reactants and products. If the value of K is greater than 1, then the equilibrium position favors the products, whereas if the value of K is less than 1, then the equilibrium position favors the reactants. If the value of K is equal to 1, then the concentrations of reactants and products are equal at equilibrium.
In summary, chemical equilibrium occurs when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in no net change in the concentration of reactants and products. Le Chatelier's principle states that if a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond by shifting the equilibrium position in order to counteract the stress and reestablish equilibrium. The equilibrium constant is a measure of the relative concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium and is constant at a given temperature. Understanding these concepts is important in predicting and manipulating chemical reactions.
