Tutorial 1 Solution
Tutorial 1 Solution
Tutorial Sheet 1
Chemical Equilibrium - Review
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
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
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
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
Kc = 3.97 x 10-6
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.