HCH132

Tutorial Sheet 1
Chemical Equilibrium - Review

1. What is a reversible reaction?

A reaction that proceeds toward the formation of products and as soon as they are formed the reverse
process begins and reactant molecules are formed from the product molecules.
2. Define 'equilibrium' and give two examples of a dynamic equilibrium.
Equilibrium is a state in which there are no observable changes as time goes by.
3. What is the law of mass action?
It states that a reversible reaction at equilibrium and a constant temperature, a certain ratio of reactant
and product concentrations has a constant value, K(equilibrium constant).
4. Define physical and chemical equilibrium. Give one example of each.
Physical equilibrium occurring between two phases of the same substance, the changes that occur are
physical process. e.g. H2O(l) ⇋ H2O(g)

Chemical equilibrium is achieved when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal and
the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant. E.g. N2O4 ⇋ 2NO2

5. Differentiate between homogenous and heterogenous reaction.

Homogenous reactions – all reacting species are in the same phase.
Heterogeneous reactions – reversible reaction involving reactants and products that are in different
phases.

6. What do the symbols Kc and Kp represent?

Equilibrium constants with Kc in relation to concentrations of the reacting species, and Kp is the
equilibrium constant obtained from partial pressures of reacting gases.
7. Explain why the equilibrium constant depends on the temperature based on rate constant.
When the rate constants at equilibrium have no net changes, then rate constant for forward is equal to
the rate constant for reverse reaction. And because kf and kr are constants at a certain temperature,
their ratio is also constant and is equal to the equilibrium constant, Kc.
 HCH132
Tutorial Sheet 1
Chemical Equilibrium - Review

8. Define reaction quotient, and explain how it differs from equilibrium constant.
Reaction quotient is calculated using initial concentrations of the reacting species before the reaction
reaches equilibrium, and it is used to compare to Kc determining the direction in which the net
reaction will proceed to achieve equilibrium. For Kc calculation, concentrations of the reacting
species at equilibrium is substituted.
9. Explain Le Chatelier’s principle and how it can maximize the yield of reactions.
Le Chatelier’s states that if an external stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system adjusts
in such a way that the stress is partially offset as the system reaches a new equilibrium position.
Knowing this principle scientists use it to disturb the balance to shift the equilibrium position so that
more of the desired product is formed.

10. List the four factors that can shift the position of an equilibrium. Indicate the factor that can change
the value of the equilibrium constant.
Temperature, volume, concentration and pressure.
11. Considering the following reaction
2A + B ⇋ A2B

If the Kc is 12.6 at a certain temperature and if kr= 5.1 x 10-2 s-1, calculate the value of kf

.
 HCH132
Tutorial Sheet 1
Chemical Equilibrium - Review

12. The equilibrium constant (Kc) for the reaction

2HCl(g) H2(g) + Cl2(g)
is 4.17 x 10-34 at 25°C. What is the equilibrium constant for the reaction
H2(g) + Cl2(g) 2HCl(g)
at the same temperature?

13. Write the expressions for the equilibrium constants Kc and for Kp, if applicable, for the following
processes:
a. HCOOH(aq) ⇋ H+(aq) + HCOO-(aq)

Kc = [H+][HCOO-] / [HCOOH]
Kp expression is not possible as these reacting species are all in aqueous phase.
b. H2O(g) + C(s) ⇋ CO(g) + H2(g)

Kc = [CO][H2] / [H2O]
Kp = PCO. PH2 / PH2O

14. Consider the following equilibrium process at 700°C:

2H2(g) + S2(g) 2H2S(g)
Analysis shows that there are 2.50 moles of H2, 1.35 x 10-5 mole of S2, and 8.70 moles of H2S present
in a 12.0 L flask. Calculate the equilibrium constant Kc for the reaction.
 HCH132
Tutorial Sheet 1
Chemical Equilibrium - Review

15. What is Kp at 1273°C for the reaction

2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO2(g)
if Kc is 2.24 x 1022 at the same temperature?
 HCH132
Tutorial Sheet 1
Chemical Equilibrium - Review

16. The following equilibrium constants have been determined for oxalic acid at 25°C:
H2C2O4(aq) H+(aq) + HC2O4(aq) , K'c = 6.5 x 10-2
HC2O4-(aq) H+(aq) + C2O42-(aq) , K''c = 6.1 x 10-5
Calculate the equilibrium constant for the following reaction at the same temperature:
H2C2O4(aq) 2H+(aq) + C2O42-(aq)

Kc = K’c x K”c

= (6.5 x 10-2 ) (6.1 x 10-5 )

Kc = 3.97 x 10-6

17. The equilibrium constant Kc for the reaction

H2(g) + CO2(g) H2O(g) + CO(g)
is 4.2 at 1650°C. Initially 0.80 mol H2 and 0.80 mol CO2 are injected into a 5.0 L flask. Calculate the
concentration of each species at equilibrium.
 HCH132
Tutorial Sheet 1
Chemical Equilibrium - Review

18. Heating solid sodium bicarbonate in a closed vessel establishes the following equilibrium:
2NaHCO3(s) Na2CO3(s) + H2O(g) + CO2(g)
What would happen to the equilibrium position if
(a) some of the CO2 were removed from the system
The system will replace the removed CO2 by forming more products, therefore the equilibrium
will shift to the right.
(b) some solid Na2CO3 were added to the system
since Na2CO3 is a solid, any changes on its amount would have no effect on equilibrium
(c) some of the solid NaHCO3 were removed from the system? The temperature remains constant.
Since NaHCO3 is a solid, any changes on its amount would have no effect on equilibrium.