Introduction to

Equilibrium
Constants
Lesson 13
Warm Up Activity
 Equilibrium example: The Haber Process
N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g) DH = - 92 kJ mol-1

Conditions Pressure 200 atmospheres

Temperature 450°C
Catalyst iron
Equilibrium theory favours
low temperature exothermic reaction - higher yield at lower temperature
high pressure decrease in number of gaseous molecules

Kinetic theory favours

high temperature greater average energy + more frequent collisions
high pressure more frequent collisions for gaseous molecules
catalyst lower activation energy

Compromise conditions
Which is better? A low yield in a shorter time or
a high yield over a longer period.
The conditions used are a compromise with the catalyst
enabling the rate to be kept up, even at a lower temperature.
Haber Process example
Learning Intention

 To understand that equilibrium law expressions can be written for homogeneous

and heterogeneous systems and that the equilibrium constant (Kc), at any given
temperature, indicates the relationship between product and reactant
concentrations at equilibrium

 To deduce the equilibrium law expression from the equation for a homogeneous
reaction and use equilibrium constants (Kc), to predict qualitatively, the relative
amounts of reactants and products (equilibrium position)
 Last Lesson Review
Le Chatelier’s Principle
”When a change is applied to a system in dynamic
equilibrium, the
system reacts in such a way as to oppose the effect of
the change.”
A(s) + heat  B(g)

Increase heat, increase B (decrease A)

Decrease pressure, increase B (decrease A)
Increase A, increase B (decrease A)
What is an equilibrium
constant?
• Equilibrium constant (Kc) is a value that represents the balance between reactants and
products in a chemical reaction.
• It is used to predict the direction of the reaction at a specific set of conditions (temperature,
pressure, concentration, etc.).
• Kc is calculated from the equilibrium concentrations of reactants and products.
• A large Kc value indicates that the products are favored, while a small Kc value indicates that
the reactants are favored.
• The value of Kc is constant for a given set of conditions.
• It helps to determine the effect of changes in conditions on the reaction.
In other words….
 An equilibrium constant is like a "score" for a chemical reaction. It tells you which side of the
reaction (the reactants or the products) has more "points" or is more favored, at a specific set
of conditions. The bigger the equilibrium constant, the more points the products have and the
more they are favored. On the other hand, a small equilibrium constant means that the
reactants have more points and are more favored. This score helps predict which way a
chemical reaction will go and how it will change under different conditions.
 The equilibrium law
Simply states
“If the concentrations of all the substances present at
equilibrium are raised to the power of the number of
moles they appear in the equation, the product of the
concentrations of the products divided by the product
of the concentrations of the reactants is a constant,
provided the temperature remains constant”

There are several forms of the constant; all vary with

temperature.

Kc the equilibrium values are expressed as

concentrations of mol dm-3
Videos
 Atar notes – Equilibrium Constants (pause at 1:10)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBbsfOBGRg0
The Equilibrium Constant Kc
What is heterogeneous Equilibria?
• When all reactants and products are in one
phase, the equilibrium is homogeneous.
• If one or more reactants or products are in a
different phase, the equilibrium is
heterogeneous.
CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Kc Expression Exceptions -
Heterogenous Mixtures
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBbsfOBGRg0 (play from 1:10 to 2:12)
Example Problem –
Equilibrium quantities given
Your Turn
 12 Pearson Skills and Assessment

 Worksheet 3.1.2