Equilibrium Concentration-Time Graphs Worksheet

1. Consider the following equilibrium:

H2(g) + Cl2(g) ⇌ 2HCl(g) ; ∆H < 0
From the graph at right, identify the possible stress
applied at time 𝑡𝑡1 .

2. Consider the following equilibrium and graph:

Zn(IO3)2(g) ⇌ Zn2+(aq) + 2IO3¯(aq)

(a) Identify the stress applied at time 𝑡𝑡1 .

(b) Complete the graph from 𝑡𝑡1 to 𝑡𝑡3 for [IO3¯].

3. Consider the following graph for the reaction:

H2(g) + I2(g) ⇌ 2HI(g)

The temperature is increased at 𝑡𝑡1 and equilibrium is re-established at 𝑡𝑡2 .

(a) Complete the graph for [HI] and [I2] from 𝑡𝑡1 to 𝑡𝑡3 .

(b) Is the forward reaction exothermic or endothermic? Explain.

4. The graph below shows concentration vs. time for a system containing carbon monoxide
(CO), chlorine gas (Cl2) and phosgene (COCl2).

(a) Write a balanced equation to represent the reversible reaction.

(b) How much time was required for the system to reach equilibrium?

(c) Explain the changes 70 s after the initiation of the reaction.

(d) What changes in conditions might have been imposed on the system 120 s after the
initiation of the reaction?

(e) Are any events taking place at 320 s?

(f) What differences would have been observed if a catalyst had been present during the
entire course of the reaction?

(g) List the changes you might impose on the system to maximise the yield of phosgene.
5. An experiment was carried out on the following reversible reaction:
CH3NH2(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ CH3NH3+(aq) + OH¯(aq) ; ∆H = +694 kJ/mol
A number of changes were made to the system at various times and the concentrations of
CH3NH2, CH3NH3+ and OH¯ were measured. The results are shown on the graph below:

(a) In the graph above, write the formula for the species corresponding to A, B and C in the
given rectangles.

(b) List all the times the system was at equilibrium.

(c) State the changes imposed on the system at the following times, with reasoning:
(i) 8 minutes?
(ii) 17 minutes?

(d) At 26 minutes, several pellets of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were added to the
equilibrium system. On the graph above, sketch the predicted pathway of the
equilibrium over the 10 minutes that follow this addition.
6. For a particular equilibrium experiment, the concentrations of three substances involved
were plotted against time in the following graph:

(a) Write a balanced equation for the equilibrium reaction.

(b) Use letters A-D to indicate on the graph all the times the system was at equilibrium.

(c) Suggest the change imposed on the system at the following times. Provide evidence
from the graph to support your answers.
(i) 3 minutes
(ii) 7 minutes
(iii) 10 minutes
Note: the formation of SO2Cl2 is exothermic.