Chemical equilibrium
I can explain the concept of chemical equilibrium and the characteristics of a system in which equilibrium is established.
Chemical equilibrium
I can explain the concept of chemical equilibrium and the characteristics of a system in which equilibrium is established.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- At equilibrium, both reactants and products are formed at the same rate.
- Amounts of reactants and products remain constant at equilibrium.
- Equilibrium can only occur in a closed system.
Common misconception
Equilibrium can occur in an open system; no reactions occur at equilibrium; amounts of reactants and products are equal at equilibrium.
Equilibrium requires a closed system; in an open system, matter exchange disrupts balance. At equilibrium, reactions still occur but at equal rates, leading to constant amounts, not necessarily equal amounts of reactants and products.
Keywords
Dynamic equilibrium - occurs in a closed system when the forward and backward reactions of a reversible chemical reaction occur at the same rate; and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.
Reaction rate - is the speed with which a chemical reaction takes place, measured by the amount of a reactant used or amount of product formed in a given time.
Closed system - is one in which matter cannot enter or leave the observed environment, allowing only energy transfer between the system and its surrounding environment.
Equipment
Beakers, plastic pipettes, food colouring, glass rods.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
closed system -
system where matter cannot enter/leave, but energy can be transferred
dynamic equilibrium -
opposing processes occur with equal rates; no observable changes
irreversible reaction -
reaction where reactants form products; reaction goes to completion
open system -
system where both matter and energy can freely enter and leave
reversible reaction -
reaction where reactants form products, which revert to reactants