Reversible Reactions and Equilibria

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Reversible reactions and

Equilibria
Model Answers
Level IGCSE(9-1)
Subject Chemistry
Exam Board Edexcel IGCSE
Module Double Award (Paper 1C)
Topic Physical Chemistry
Sub-Topic Reversible reactions and Equilibria
Booklet Model Answers
Time Allowed: 88 minutes
Score: /73
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Model
Mo del Answer
Answer Key
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1 Model answers are copyright. © 2018 Save My Exams Ltd. All rights reserved.
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1 Iodine reacts with chlorine to form iodine monochloride, ICl

(1)
(a) Write a chemical equation for this reaction.
Write the correct formulae for the reactants and products. This will gain you
one mark. Remember that the halogens are diatomic.
I2 + Cl2  ICl
Now balance the equation so that there are the same number of atoms on
both sides of the reaction.
I2 + Cl2  2ICl
(b) Iodine monochloride reacts reversibly with chlorine to form iodine trichloride.
ICl + Cl2 U ICl3

dark yellow
brown
The reaction mixture is allowed to reach a state of dynamic equilibrium.
(i) One feature of a reaction that is in dynamic equilibrium is that both the
forward reaction and the backward reaction occur simultaneously.
Give two other features of a reaction that is in dynamic equilibrium. (2)
The rate of forward reaction = rate of backwards reaction

The concentrations of reactants/products remain constant
(ii) When the equilibrium mixture is heated, it becomes darker brown in colour.
Explain whether the backward reaction is exothermic or endothermic. (2)
When you make a change to a reaction at equilibrium, the reaction will shift to
counteract the change. By adding heat to the reaction, the endothermic
reaction will be favoured.
When heat is applied to this reaction the reaction mixture becomes darker
brown meaning that more ICl is being produced.
The backwards reaction is favoured and the reaction shifts to the left.
The backwards reaction is therefore endothermic.
(Total for Question 1 = 5 marks)
2 Ammonia (NH3) can be made by reacting nitrogen and hydrogen, in the presence of
an iron catalyst, according to the equation
N2(g) + 3H2(g) U 2NH3(g) ǻH = –92 kJ/mol

The reaction is reversible and the reaction mixture can, if left for long enough, reach a
position of dynamic equilibrium.
The graph shows how the percentage of ammonia at equilibrium depends on the
temperature and pressure used.
100 100 qC
200 qC
90
300 qC
80
70
400 qC
60
Percentage of
ammonia at 50
equilibrium
40 500 qC
30
20
10
0
0 100 200 300 400 500
Pressure in atmospheres
(a) State two features of a reaction mixture that is in dynamic equilibrium. (2)
any two form:
 the forward and backward reactions are both still occurring

 concentrations of reactants and products remain constant
 rate of forward reaction = rate of reverse reaction
(b) (i) Use the graph to state the effect on the percentage of ammonia at equilibrium of the
following changes
• an increase in temperature at constant pressure
• an increase in pressure at constant temperature.
Write your answers in the table. (2)
decrease
increase
(ii) Explain why these changes have the effects you have given in (b)(i). (2)
If the temperature is increased, the equilibrium will shift to reduce the temperature.
Therefore an endothermic reaction will be favoured.
If the temperature is decreased, the equilibrium will shift to increase the temperature
and so an exothermic reaction will be favoured.
As the forward reaction is exothermic an increase in temperature will decrease the

yield of ammonia.
When the pressure of a reaction involving gases is increased, equilibrium will shift to
reduce the pressure and the side of the reaction with fewer gas molecules is favoured.
29
When the pressure of a reaction involving gases is decreased, equilibrium will shift to
increase the pressure and the side of the reaction with more gas molecules is
favoured.
There are fewer moles of gas on the product side of the equation so an increase in
pressure will favour the forward reaction and more ammonia will be produced.
Exam Tip: THE HABER PROCESS

Ensure that you have learned the specific conditions required for The
Haber Process. These are examined frequently and are easy, recall marks.
(c) The reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen is used to manufacture ammonia in
the Haber process. This process operates at a pressure of 200 atmospheres and a
temperature of 450qC, with an iron catalyst.
If the reaction mixture reached a position of equilibrium, the expected yield of ammonia
would be about 30%.
The actual yield of ammonia obtained in the Haber process is about 15%.
(i) Suggest why the actual yield of ammonia is lower than the expected yield. (1)
The position of equilibrium is not reached
(ii) How is the ammonia separated from the unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen? (2)
The mixture of gases is cooled and the ammonia liquefies
(1)
(iii) What happens to the unreacted nitrogen and hydrogen?
They are recycled
(d) The reaction would be faster if a higher temperature were used.

Suggest why a higher temperature is not used in the Haber process. (1)
The energy costs would be higher
(e) The equation for the formation of ammonia is

N2(g) + 3H2(g) U 2NH3(g)
(i) Calculate the amount, in moles, of ammonia, that could be formed in the
Haber process from 112 kilograms of nitrogen, assuming all the nitrogen is
converted into ammonia. (3)
mass of nitrogen
number of moles of nitrogen =
relative formula mass
𝟏𝟏𝟐, 𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 = = 𝟒𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟐𝟖
There are 2 ways where you can lose marks at this point. You must convert kilograms
into grams by multiplying by 1000. You must also ensure that you have used the
correct relative formula mass for nitrogen. Nitrogen is a diatomic molecule (formula:
N2) and therefore the relative formula mass is 14 x 2 = 28.
The equation shows us that for every mole of nitrogen used, 2 moles of ammonia are
produced. Therefore the number of moles of ammonia = the number of moles of
nitrogen x 2
Number of moles of ammonia = 4000 x 2 = 8000
8000
Amount of ammonia =....................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mol
(ii) Only 15% of the nitrogen is converted into ammonia.

Calculate the actual amount, in moles, of ammonia that is formed from
(1)
112 kilograms of nitrogen.
𝟖𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚 = 𝐱 𝟏𝟓 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟎
𝟏𝟎𝟎
1200
Amount of ammonia =....................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mol
3 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and dinitrogen tetraoxide (N2O4) exist together in equilibrium.
2NO2(g)  N2O4(g)
brown colourless
(a) The gas syringe contains a sample of an equilibrium mixture of the two gases.
The mixture is brown in colour.
equilibrium mixture
plunger of NO2 and N2O4
seal
gas syringe
The plunger is pulled out to reduce the pressure of the gaseous mixture.
When the equilibrium is reached the mixture is darker in colour.
Explain this observation. (3)
When the pressure of a reaction involving gases is increased, equilibrium will

shift to reduce the pressure and the side of the reaction with fewer gas
molecules is favoured. When the pressure of a reaction involving gases is
decreased, equilibrium will shift to increase the pressure and the side of the
reaction with more gas molecules is favoured.
The left hand side of the reaction has 2 moles of gas compared to 1 mole of
gas on the right hand side.
Therefore, there are more gas molecules on the left hand side.
More NO2 is formed as equilibrium will shift to left because there are
more moles of gas on the left hand side and the equilibrium will shift to
counteract the change of conditions.
(b) (i) A sealed tube containing an equilibrium mixture of NO2 and N2O4 at room temperature
is plunged into water at 0 °C. The colour of the mixture changes from brown
to pale yellow.
Explain whether the forward reaction is exothermic or endothermic. (2)
If the temperature is decreased, the equilibrium will shift to increase the
temperature and so an exothermic reaction will be favoured.
The equilibrium has shifted to the right so more N2O4 has been formed. A decrease
in temperature shifts the equilibrium in the exothermic direction.
(ii) In the forward reaction, a bond is formed between the two nitrogen dioxide molecules.
NO2 + NO2 → O2N–NO2
Explain whether this information supports your answer in (b)(i). (1)
Yes because bond making releases thermal energy so the forward reaction
is exothermic.
4 Carbon monoxide and hydrogen are used in the manufacture of methanol (CH3OH).
The reaction is reversible and can reach a position of dynamic equilibrium.
CO(g) + 2H2(g) U CH3OH(g) ∆H = –91 kJ/mol

The reaction is carried out at a pressure of about 100 atmospheres and a temperature
of 250 °C.
(a) State two features of a reaction that is in dynamic equilibrium. (2)
Any two from:
• Both forward and backwards reactions are

occurring
• Concentrations of reactants and products
stay the same
• Rate of forward reaction = rate of backwards
reaction
(b) (i) How would a decrease in temperature at constant pressure affect the amount
of methanol in the equilibrium mixture?
Explain your answer. (2)
CO(g) + 2H2(g) → CH3OH(g) ΔH = –91 kJ/mol A negative ΔH value

tells us that the reaction is exothermic. Decreasing the temperature of an
exothermic reaction favours the forwards reaction.
The amount of methanol would increase because the reaction is exothermic.
(ii) How would an increase in pressure at constant temperature affect the amount
of methanol in the equilibrium mixture?
Explain your answer. (2)
CO(g) + 2H2(g)  CH3OH(g) The equation shows us that there are 3 moles of
gas on the left hand side of the equation and only 1 mole of gas on the right hand
side. An increase in pressure will favour the side with the fewest moles of gas in this
case, the product side.
The amount of methanol would increase as there are fewer moles of gas on right
hand side of the equation.
(c) Methanol (CH3OH) can be converted into methanal (H2CO).

A mixture of methanol and oxygen is passed over an iron oxide catalyst at 250°C.
Methanal and water are the only two products.
(i) Write a chemical equation for the conversion of methanol into methanal. (2)
2CH3OH + O2  2H2CO + 2H2O
(ii) What is meant by the term catalyst? (2)
A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction and is

chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.
(iii) Explain how a catalyst works. (2)
A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway which has a lower

activation energy so the reaction is more likely to occur.
A catalyst does NOT increase the rate of the reaction. It alters the reaction pathway.
(d) Methanol can be used in racing cars as an alternative fuel to petrol.

Write the chemical equation for the complete combustion of methanol. (2)
2CH3OH + 3O2  2CO2 + 4H2O

This is complete combustion so the only 2 products would be water and
carbon dioxide.
5 The flow diagram shows how a fertiliser is manufactured from raw materials.
carbon dioxide
air
hydrogen ammonium
natural gas ammonia nitric acid
nitrogen nitrate
water
oxygen
The hydrogen needed is formed in two reactions.
(a) Reaction 1 occurs between steam and methane in natural gas.

Balance the equation for this reaction. (1)
.......................... CH4 + . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. H 2O → .......................... CO + .......................... H2
CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2
You must ensure that you have the same number of atoms of each element
on both sides of the equation. For this equation, you only need to add a large
3 in front of the hydrogen product. This is because there are 6 hydrogen
atoms on the left hand side of the equation but only 2 on the right hand side.
(b) The equation for reaction 2 is
CO(g) + H2O(g) U CO2(g) + H2(g) ∆H = –41 kJ/mol
(i) Assuming that this reaction reaches equilibrium, explain what happens to the
yield of hydrogen if the reaction is carried out at a higher pressure but at the
same temperature. (2)
increase the pressure and the side of the reaction with more gas molecules is favoured.
In this reaction there are 2 moles of gas on both sides of the equation.
A higher pressure will have no effect on the yield of hydrogen because there are equal
moles of gas on both sides of the equation.
(ii) Assuming that this reaction reaches equilibrium, explain what happens to the
yield of hydrogen if the reaction is carried out at a higher temperature but at
the same pressure. (2)
The reaction in the question has a negative ΔH value meaning it is exothermic.
A higher temperature will favour the endothermic reaction, meaning equilibrium

will shift to the left because the forward reaction is exothermic and the yield of
hydrogen will decrease.
(c) Reaction 2 can be represented on an energy profile.
CO + H2O
energy
(i) Complete the profile by showing the products of the reaction and the (2)
enthalpy change for the reaction.
M1 is for CO2 + H2 products below CO + H2O reactants
M2 is for an approximately vertical arrow with ∆H symbol between reactants and

products
(ii) Reaction 2 is carried out using an iron oxide catalyst. (1)

State the effect, if any, of using a catalyst on the enthalpy change for the reaction.
A catalyst has no effect on the ΔH of the reaction. The ΔH between the reactants and
products does not change. A catalyst will only change the amount of activation energy
required. activation energy.
(iii) Explain how a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction. (2)
A catalyst will increase the rate of reaction of a reaction because it offers

an alternative route for the reaction to take that requires a lower
(d) The equations for some other reactions used in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate
are
reaction 3 N2 + 3H2 U 2NH3
reaction 4 4NH3 + 5O2 U 4NO + 6H2O
reaction 5 2NO2 U N2O4
reaction 6 NH3 + HNO3 → NH4NO3
Explain which two of these are redox reactions. (2)
There are several definitions of redox reactions:
OXIDATION REDUCTION
Gain of oxygen Loss of oxygen
Loss of hydrogen Gain of hydrogen
Loss of electrons Gain of electrons
Reaction 3: N2 + 3H2  2NH3 Nitrogen reacts with hydrogen to produce ammonia.

There is a gain of hydrogen.
Reaction 4: 4NH3 + 5O2  4NO + 6H2O Ammonia reacts with oxygen to produce
water and nitric oxide. There is a gain of oxygen.
(e) The manufacturer produces a batch of 34 kg of ammonia.

Calculate the maximum mass of ammonium nitrate that can be made from this
mass of ammonia, using reaction 6 in part (d).
(3)
Give a unit for your answer.
The first step in this calculation is to calculate the numbe
of moles of ammonia. The question gives you the mass of
ammonia in kg so this will need to be converted to g
before it can be used in the calculation.
mass of ammonia = 34 × 1000 = 34000g
mass of ammonia
number of moles of ammonia =
relative formula mass
𝟑𝟑𝟕𝟕𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝐜𝐜𝐓𝐓𝐓𝐓𝐧𝐧𝐓𝐓𝐓𝐓 𝐨𝐨𝐑𝐑 𝐓𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐓𝐓𝐌𝐌 = = 𝟐𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟏𝟏𝟕𝟕
The equation shows that one mole of ammonia produces one mole of ammonium nitrate.
Therefore 2000 moles of ammonia will produce 2000 moles of ammonium nitrate.
In order to calculate the mass of ammonium nitrate produced, you will first need to
calculate its relative formula mass:
relative formula mass of NH4NO3 = 14 + (1 × 4) + 14 + (16 × 3) = 80
mass of ammonium nitrate = number of moles × relative formula mass
𝐓𝐓𝐌𝐌𝐌𝐌𝐌𝐌 = 𝟐𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 × 𝟖𝟖𝟎𝟎 = 𝟏𝟏𝟔𝟔𝟎𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝐜𝐜 𝐨𝐨𝐓𝐓 𝟏𝟏𝟔𝟔𝟎𝟎𝟏𝟏𝐜𝐜
maximum mass of ammonium nitrate = ................................................

2000 160 .kg
unit ..................... ..........................

Exam Tip: THE HABER PROCESS
Ensure that you have learned the specific conditions required for The Haber Process. These are
examined frequently and are easy, recall marks.
6 AmmoFert Chemicals is a company that manufactures fertilisers.

The flow chart shows how the company manufactures a fertiliser called AmmoBoost.
nitrogen gas nitric acid
heated
separator mixer AmmoBoost
catalyst
hydrogen gas
(a) The first step in the process is the conversion of nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas into
ammonia.
(i) State a raw material used as the source of each gas. (2)
nitrogen: air
hydrogen: water
(ii) Identify the catalyst used in this conversion. (1)
Iron, Fe
(1)
(iii) State one other condition used in this conversion.
450oC OR 200 atm pressure
(iv) Only a small percentage of the nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas is converted into
ammonia.
Explain how the unreacted gases are separated from the ammonia. (2)
The mixture is cooled so the ammonia liquefies and can be tapped off
(b) The equation for the production of ammonia is
N2(g) + 3H2(g) U 2NH3 J ǻH íN-PRO
Calculate the maximum mass of ammonia that can be obtained from 56 tonnes of nitrogen.
(1 tonne = 1 000 000 grams) (3)
The mass of ammonia is therefore 34 x 2 = 68 tonnes
(c) EnAitchThree is another company that manufactures ammonia using the same reaction
as AmmoFert but using different conditions.
EnAitchThree uses a higher temperature and a higher pressure than AmmoFert.
(i) Predict the effect on the rate of reaction and on the equilibrium position by changing
to the temperature used by EnAitchThree. (2)
Effect of higher temperature on rate of reaction: rate will increase as particles

have more kinetic energy and therefore move more randomly with more energy
and then successfully collide more often.
Effect of higher temperature on equilibrium position:
If the temperature is increased, the equilibrium will shift to reduce the

temperature. Therefore an endothermic reaction will be favoured.

The reaction is exothermic so an increase in temperature will shift to the left and
favour the endothermic, backward reaction.
by EnAitchThree. Justify your prediction.

(2)
(ii) Predict the effect on the equilibrium position by changing to the pressure used
increase the pressure and the side of the reaction with more gas molecules is favoured.
If the pressure is increased the equilibrium shifts to the right as there are fewer
moles of gas on the right hand side of the equation.
(d) The main compound in AmmoBoost contains 35% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen by mass.
The remainder is oxygen.
(i) Calculate the percentage by mass of oxygen in the compound. (1)
Percentage by mass of oxygen = 100 – (35 + 5) = 60%
(ii) Determine the empirical formula of the compound. (3)
The empirical formula is N2H4O3 as you must multiply up to whole numbers
(iii) What is the name of the main compound in AmmoBoost? (1)
Ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3

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Reversible reactions and

Time Allowed: 88 minutes

1 Iodine reacts with chlorine to form iodine monochloride, ICl

ICl + Cl2 U ICl3

The rate of forward reaction = rate of backwards reaction

(Total for Question 1 = 5 marks)

N2(g) + 3H2(g) U 2NH3(g) ǻH = –92 kJ/mol

any two form:

 the forward and backward reactions are both still occurring

As the forward reaction is exothermic an increase in temperature will decrease the

Exam Tip: THE HABER PROCESS

The position of equilibrium is not reached

The mixture of gases is cooled and the ammonia liquefies

They are recycled

(d) The reaction would be faster if a higher temperature were used.

The energy costs would be higher

(e) The equation for the formation of ammonia is

(ii) Only 15% of the nitrogen is converted into ammonia.

(Total for Question 2 = 15 marks)

When the pressure of a reaction involving gases is increased, equilibrium will

Explain whether this information supports your answer in (b)(i). (1)

(Total for Question 3 = 6 marks)

The reaction is reversible and can reach a position of dynamic equilibrium.

CO(g) + 2H2(g) U CH3OH(g) ∆H = –91 kJ/mol

Any two from:

• Both forward and backwards reactions are

CO(g) + 2H2(g) → CH3OH(g) ΔH = –91 kJ/mol A negative ΔH value

(c) Methanol (CH3OH) can be converted into methanal (H2CO).

2CH3OH + O2  2H2CO + 2H2O

(ii) What is meant by the term catalyst? (2)

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction and is

(iii) Explain how a catalyst works. (2)

A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway which has a lower

(d) Methanol can be used in racing cars as an alternative fuel to petrol.

2CH3OH + 3O2  2CO2 + 4H2O

(Total for Question 4 = 14 marks)

The hydrogen needed is formed in two reactions.

(a) Reaction 1 occurs between steam and methane in natural gas.

.......................... CH4 + . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. H 2O → .......................... CO + .......................... H2

CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2

(b) The equation for reaction 2 is

CO(g) + H2O(g) U CO2(g) + H2(g) ∆H = –41 kJ/mol

The reaction in the question has a negative ΔH value meaning it is exothermic.

A higher temperature will favour the endothermic reaction, meaning equilibrium

(c) Reaction 2 can be represented on an energy profile.

M1 is for CO2 + H2 products below CO + H2O reactants

M2 is for an approximately vertical arrow with ∆H symbol between reactants and

(ii) Reaction 2 is carried out using an iron oxide catalyst. (1)

(iii) Explain how a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction. (2)

A catalyst will increase the rate of reaction of a reaction because it offers

Explain which two of these are redox reactions. (2)

There are several definitions of redox reactions:

Gain of oxygen Loss of oxygen

Loss of hydrogen Gain of hydrogen

Loss of electrons Gain of electrons

Reaction 3: N2 + 3H2  2NH3 Nitrogen reacts with hydrogen to produce ammonia.

N2(g) + 3H2(g) U 2NH3 J ǻH íN-PRO