Equilibrium

Irreversible and Reversible Reactions

Irreversible Reaction A+BC+D The One-way arrow indicates that reactants form products These reactions go in the forward direction only Reversible Reaction A + B C + D Two-way arrow indicates that reactants form products & products reform reactants at the same time These reactions go in both the forward and the reverse directions simultaneously Example: N2 + 3H2 2NH3 (Production of ammonia)

Example: C6H12O6 + O2 CO2 + H2O (combustion of sugar)

Reversible Reaction: Example from Todays Demo 2NO2 N2O4

Q: Why do you think the gas changed color from one temperature to the next in todays demo?

Brown pollutant from cars (smog)

Colorless

Reversible Reactions Allow for Equilibrium

For every X molecules that vaporize, X molecules condense

Equilibrium Established

What is Equilibrium?
Equilibrium = when two offsetting processes occur at equal rates, producing a state of balance where no net change is observed.

The following are true of equilibrium: The rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction The concentrations of reactants and products are constant (that is, they no longer change) Reactants are still consumed and products are still produced A catalyst is a substance that can be added to a reaction in order to increase the rate at which equilibrium is reached; however, it does not cause a shift in the equilibrium

Another Equilibrium Example

N2 + 3H2 2NH3 (Production of ammonia)
Reactants disappear as product forms At equilibrium, the N2, H2, and NH3 all disappear as rapidly as they reform, resulting in constant concentrations.

1: All reactant but no product yet 2: Some reactant consumed and some product formed 3: Equilibrium has been reached; concentrations of reactants and products remain the same

Note: if a catalyst were added, equilibrium would be achieved earlier

Disturbing Equilibrium: LeChateliers Principle

LeChateliers Principle: If a system at equilibrium is acted upon by an external stressor, the system will shift to counteract the stressor and form a new equilibrium Basically, if you try to change a system at equilibrium, the system will resist your attempts
Added Stressor Add more product Take away heat Add pressure Equilibrium Systems Response Take away added product Add more heat Take away pressure

LeChateliers Principle in Action

Consider this reaction at equilibrium:

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

What will happen if the following stressors are applied?

Stressor More N2 Added NH3 Taken Away Heat Added

Systems Reaction Take Away N2

Direction of Equilibrium Shift Toward Products

Pressure Decreased NH3 Added

Pressure Increased

A New Look at Todays Demo

Most Brown

Least Brown

Q1: If the heat term is added to the above equation, which will be correct? 2NO2 N2O4 + Heat or Heat + 2NO2 N2O4 Q2: Is this reaction an exothermic or endothermic?

Hot

Room Temp

Cold