DIVISION OF GEN.

TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

GENERAL CHEMITRY 2

WORKSHEET 11: CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCIES
Explain chemical equilibrium in terms of the reaction rates of the forward and the
reverse reaction
Calculate equilibrium constant and the pressure or concentration of reactants or
products in an equilibrium mixture
State the Le Chatelier’s principle and apply it qualitatively to describe the effect of
changes in pressure, concentration and temperature on a system at equilibrium

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:
1. explain the equilibrium condition in terms of reaction rates of forward and
backward reactions and concentrations of reactants and products;
2. explain the effect of concentration, pressure, and temperature in a system of
equilibrium using Le Chatelier’s principle;
3. write the mass action expression for a given balanced chemical equation for
homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria;
4. predict the direction in which a reaction at equilibrium will shift given the
values of the reaction quotients and the equilibrium constant;
5. perform calculations on equilibrium constant at different conditions; and
6. recognize the importance of chemical equilibrium and some practical
applications of Le Chatelier’s principle .

BACKGROUND
A state of balance is also referred to as a state of equilibrium. In a reversible
reaction, when the reactants start to form the products, the products would then start
to reform the reactants. The two opposing processes happen at different rates but a
certain point in the reaction will be reached where the rates of the forward and backward
reactions are the same (marked by the broken line in Figure 1). This is the state of
chemical equilibrium. In a state of chemical equilibrium, since the rate of product
formation is equal to the rate of the reformation of the reactants, then the concentrations
of the reactants and products remain becomes constant (Figure 2)

.
Figure 1. Changes in the rate of the forward Figure 2. Changes in the amount of reactants
and backward reactions in a reversible and products in a reversible reaction.
reaction
The state of chemical equilibrium is a highly dynamic state. This means that
though there are no change in the composition of the reaction mixture and no visible
changes taking place, the particles are continuously reacting. Also, a system at chemical
equilibrium can be easily disturbed by changes in the reaction conditions.

Page 1 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

The Law of Mass Action Expression/Equilibrium Constant Expression

The relationship between the concentrations of the reactants and products may
be expressed using the law of mass action expression/equilibrium constant expression.
For the general equilibrium reaction:
aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD
the law of mass action expression is written as:
[C]c [D]d
K eq = [A]a [B]b
Where:
- the [ ] is the concentration expressed in molarity
- Keq is the equilibrium constant.
o If molar concentrations are used, Keq may also be referred to as Kc.

Examples:

Balanced Chemical Equation Equilibrium Constant Expression

2O3 (g) ⇌ 3 O2 (g) [O2 ]3
Kc =
[O3 ]2
2 NO (g) + Cl2 (g) ⇌ 2 NOCl (g) NOCl2
Kc =
[NO]2 [Cl2 ]
HF (aq) + C2 O4 2− (aq) ⇌ 2 F − + H2 C2 O4 (aq) [F]2 [H2 C2 O4 ]
Kc =
[HF][C2 O4 2− ]

Equilibrium constants for homogeneous gaseous equilibria may also be expressed in

terms of partial pressures. The expression is written in much the same way as described,
only that the partial pressure is raised to the coefficient instead of the molar
concentration.
Examples:
Balanced Chemical Equation Equilibrium Constant Expression
2O3 (g) ⇌ 3 O2 (g) (𝑃𝑂2 )3
Kc =
(𝑃𝑂3 )2
2 NO (g) + Cl2 (g) ⇌ 2 NOCl (g) (𝑃𝑁𝑂𝐶𝑙 )2
Kc =
(𝑃𝑁𝑂 )2 (P𝐶𝑙2 )
For equilibrium reactions where the reactants and products are in different phases
(heterogeneous equilibria), pure solids and pure liquids are excluded in writing
equilibrium constant expressions. For example, consider the reaction:

𝐏𝐛𝐂𝐥𝟐 (𝐬) ⇌ 𝐏𝐛𝟐+ (𝐚𝐪) + 𝟐 𝐂𝐥− (𝐚𝐪)

The equilibrium constant expression for the reaction is:

𝐊 𝐜 = [𝐏𝐛𝟐+ ][𝐂𝐥− ]𝟐

The Equilibrium Constant, K

The equilibrium constant, K, is the numerical value that is obtained when
equilibrium concentrations are substituted to the equilibrium constant expression. The

Page 2 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

value of K may vary from very large to very small values. This value provides an idea of
the relative concentrations of the reactants and products in an equilibrium mixture.
The value of the equilibrium constant be used to determine the relative
composition of the reaction mixture at equilibrium. Consider the reaction for the
production of phosgene (COCl2), a toxic gas used in the manufacture of certain polymers
and insecticides, at 100°C:
𝐂𝐎 (𝐠) + 𝐂𝐥𝟐 (𝐠) ⇌ 𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐥𝟐 (𝐠)

[COCl2 ]
Kc = [CO][Cl2 ]
= 4.56 𝑋109
In general,
If K >> 1 (large K value), the equilibrium lies to the right and the products predominate
in the equilibrium mixture.
If K << 1 (small K value), the equilibrium lies to the left and the reactants predominate
in the equilibrium mixture.

Figure 3. The relationship of K value and the composition of the

equilibrium mixture.

The Reaction Quotient, Q

It is the value obtained when product and reactant concentrations or partial
pressures at any point of the reaction is plugged in the equilibrium constant expression.
It is calculated in the same way as K. Thus, for a general equilibrium reaction
𝐚𝐀 + 𝐛𝐁 ⇌ 𝐜𝐂 + 𝐝𝐃
The reaction quotient can be expressed as:
[𝐂]𝐜 [𝐃]𝐝
𝐐𝐜 =
[𝐁]𝐛 [𝐀]𝐚

or if in terms of partial pressures,

[𝐏𝐂 ]𝐜[𝐏𝐃 ]𝐝
𝐐𝐜 = [𝐏𝐁 ]𝐛 [𝐏𝐀 ]𝐚
The reaction quotient may be used to determine if a particular reaction is at
equilibrium, and if not, in which direction the reaction will proceed to attain the
equilibrium.
Example:

The Kc value for the reaction N2(g) + 3 H2(g) ⇌ 2 NH3(g) at 472°C is 0.105.
Suppose a mixture of 2.00 mol of H2, 1.00 mol of N2 and 2.00 mol of NH3 is placed on a
sealed 1.00-L container.
Calculate for the reaction quotient and compare it to the reported equilibrium
constant value. If the two values are equal, then the mixture is already in equilibrium.

Page 3 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

[NH3 ]2 (2.00)2
Qc = = = 0.500
[N2 ][H2] (1.00)(2.00)3

Since the Qc ≠ Kc, then the given mixture is not in equilibrium.

In general:
- If Q = K , then the system is already at equilibrium;
- If Q > K, the products dominate the reaction mixture so the products must react to
form the reactants; reaction proceeds in the backward direction until equilibrium
is attained;
- If Q < K, the reactants dominate the reaction mixture so the reactants must react
to form the products; reaction proceeds in the forward direction until equilibrium
is attained.

A. Calculating K when all equilibrium concentrations/partial pressures are

known
Determining equilibrium constants when equilibrium concentrations or partial
pressures are known involves straight forward substitution to the equilibrium constant
expression.

SAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
A mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen in a reaction vessel is allowed to attain
equilibrium at 472°C. The equilibrium mixture of gases was analyzed and found to
contain 7.38 atm H2, 2.46 atm N2 and 0.166 atm NH3. From these data, calculate the
equilibrium constant Kp for the reaction:
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) ⇌ 2NH3 (g)
Given:
Balanced chemical equation
Equilibrium partial pressures: 7.38 atm H2, 2.46 atm N2 and 0.166 atm NH3

Solution:

2
(𝑃𝑁𝐻3 ) (0.166)2
𝐾𝑝 = = = 𝟐. 𝟕𝟗 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟓
(𝑃𝑁2 )(𝑃𝐻2 )3 (2.46) (7.38)3

SAMPLE PROBLEM 2:
An aqueous solution of acetic acid is found to have the following concentrations
at 25 °C: [CH3COOH] = 1.65 × 10–2 M; [H3O+] = 5.44 × 10–4 M; and [CH3COO–] = 5.44 ×
10–4 M. Calculate the equilibrium constant Kc for the ionization of acetic acid at 25 °C.
The reaction is: CH3 COOH (aq) + H2 O(l) ⇋ H3 O+ (aq) + CH3 COO− (aq)

Given:
Balanced chemical equation
Equilibrium concentrations: [CH3COOH] = 1.65 × 10–2 M; [H3O+] = 5.44 × 10–4 M; and
[CH3COO–] = 5.44 × 10–4 M

Solution:

Page 4 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

B. Calculating K from initial and equilibrium concentrations/partial pressures

In most cases, what is known to the experimenter is the equilibrium constant at a
certain temperature and the initial concentrations or partial pressures of the species
present. This means that equilibrium quantities must be determined before calculating
for K. This can be done by treating the change as a variable where the stoichiometric
coefficients from the balanced equation can be used to denote the relationship between
the changes in the concentration/partial pressure of the reactants and products.

SAMPLE PROBLE 1:
A closed system initially containing 1.000 × 10 –3 M H2 and 2.000 × 10–3 M I2 at
448°C is allowed to reach equilibrium. Analysis of the equilibrium mixture shows that
the concentration of HI is 1.87 × 10–3 M. Calculate Kc at 448°C for the reaction taking
place which is: H2 (g) + I2 (g) ⇌ 2 HI (g)

Given:
balanced chemical equation
initial concentrations: 1.000 × 10–3 M H2 and 2.000 × 10–3 M I2 equilibrium
concentration: 1.87 × 10–3 M HI

Solution:
Let x = amount of H2 that changes to attain equilibrium

SAMPLE PROBLEM 2:
Sulfur trioxide decomposes at high temperature in a sealed container according
to the reaction: 2 SO3 (g) ⇌ 2SO2 (g) + O2 (g)
Initially, the vessel is charged at 1000 K with SO 3(g) at a partial pressure of
0.500 atm. At equilibrium the SO3 partial pressure is 0.200 atm. Calculate the value of
Kp at 1000 K

Given:
Balanced chemical equation
Initial partial pressure for SO3(g) = 0.500 atm
Equilibrium partial pressure for SO3(g) = 0.200 atm

Page 5 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

Solution:
Let x = amount of SO3 that changes to attain equilibrium

Chemical Equilibrium: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Le Châtelier’s principle, 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. The word “stress” here means a change in
concentration, pressure, volume, or temperature that removes the system from the
equilibrium state.

Effect of changing the concentration of reactants or products

• Increasing the concentration of a substance in an equilibrium mixture
displaces the equilibrium in the direction which consumes some of the added
material. Conversely, decreasing the concentration of a substance favors the
reaction which produces it.
• In the context of the Le Chatelier’s principle, the stress referred here is the
change in concentration. When the concentration of either a reactant or a
product is increased, the equilibrium shifts into the direction that would
consume that added component. If the concentration is decreased, then the
equilibrium shifts into the direction that replenishes the lost component.
Effect of changing the temperature
• When the temperature is increased, the reaction which consumes the applied
heat is favored i.e. the reaction which is endothermic. When the temperature
is decreased, the reaction which produces heat is favored i.e. the reaction
which is exothermic
• Another way of interpreting the results is to treat heat as either a reactant or
product. When heat is added, equilibrium shifts to the reaction that consumes
it. The same generalization on the effect of changes in concentration is applied.
Effect of Changes in Pressure (or Volume) on Gaseous Equilibria
• For gaseous equilibria, changes in pressure due to changes in the volume of
the container affect chemical equilibrium. When the pressure is increased (by
decreasing the volume of the container), the system adjusts by reducing the
total pressure exerted by the gas particles present. This can be done by shifting
the equilibrium towards the formation of a lesser number of gas particles which
may be predicted using a balanced chemical equation
Page 6 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

Practical Application of the Le Chatelier’s Principle

• Practitioners of chemistry in the industry find Le Chatelier’s principle of great
importance especially in the manufacturing of many products. For a more
efficient production process, they formulate ways by which product yield can
be maximized and waste generation can be minimized. This can be done by
examining the effects of changing the reaction conditions such as temperature,
pressure and concentrations of the substances involved on the yield of the
process.
• For example, when Fritz Haber developed the process of producing ammonia,
NH3, from N2 and H2, according to the reaction:
𝑁2 (𝑔) + 3𝐻2 (𝑔) ⇋ 2𝑁𝐻3 (𝑔)
he tried to vary the pressure and temperature conditions to determine what
conditions will maximize the yield of ammonia.

• From the plot, it can be concluded that the yield of ammonia can be maximized
with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. Both conditions shift the
equilibrium towards the direction of producing more ammonia.
• Another way by which the yield of ammonia can be maximized is to continuously
remove the ammonia product from the equilibrium mixture. This can be done by
condensing the gas in to a liquid form and withdrawing it from the reaction. In
this way, the equilibrium will shift to the right favoring the formation of more
ammonia.

Diagram of a Haber process reactor. (Image obtained from Image URL: http://
images.flatworldknowledge.com/averillfwk/averillfwk-fig15_015.jpg

Page 7 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

ACTIVITY NO. 14: Application of Le Chetalier’s Principles (Group Activity)

Research 1 specific industrial processes that are made more efficient using
the Le Chetalier’s principle. Their research outputs should include the following:
1. Significance of the process
2. Schematic diagram of the process
3. The equilibrium reaction involved in the process
4. Explanation on how Le Chatelier’s principle is applied to make the process
more efficient.
Present your output using video presentation which includes creativity, accuracy and
should not exceed 5 minutes as time limits.

The output will be graded based on the following criteria:

Accuracy - 20 points
Content - 20 points
Creativity - 20 points
Teamwork - 20 points
Timeliness - 20 points
Total - 100 points

ASSESSMENT

Direction. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. For items involving
calculation show your solution and box the final answer.

A. Write the equilibrium constant expression, Kc, for the following reactions.
Indicate also if the equilibrium is homogeneous or heterogeneous.
1. 𝟑 𝑵𝑶 (𝒈) ⇌ 𝑵𝟐 ) (𝒈) + 𝑵𝑶𝟐 (𝒈)
2. 𝑪𝑯𝟒 (𝒈) + 𝟐 𝑯𝟐 𝑺 (𝒈) ⇌ 𝑪𝑺𝟐 (𝒈) + 𝟒𝑯𝟐 (𝒈)
3. 𝟒 𝑯𝑪𝒍 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝑶𝟐 (𝒈) ⇌ 𝟐𝑯𝟐 𝑶 (𝒍) + 𝟐𝑪𝒍𝟐 (𝒈)

B. For the following reactions at equilibrium, identify which between the reactants
and products is dominant.
Answer
1. 𝑵𝟐 (𝒈) + 𝑶𝟐 (𝒈) ⇌ 𝟐𝑵𝑶 (𝒈) 𝑲𝒄 = 𝟏. 𝟓 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟎
2. 𝟐𝑺𝑶𝟐 (𝒈) + 𝑶𝟐 (𝒈) ⇌ 𝟐𝑺𝑶𝟑 (𝒈) 𝑲𝒑 = 𝟐. 𝟓 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟗
3. 𝟐𝑯𝑩𝒓 (𝒈) ⇌ 𝑯𝟐 (𝒈) + 𝑩𝒓𝟐 (𝒈) 𝑲𝒄 = 𝟓. 𝟖 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟖

C. At 450 °C, the Kp for the reaction 𝐍𝟐 (𝐠) + 𝟑𝐇𝟐 (𝐠) ⇌ 𝟐𝐍𝐇𝟑 (𝐠) is 4.5 × 10–5. For
each mixture listed, indicate whether the mixture is at equilibrium at 450 °C. If
it is not at equilibrium, indicate the direction (toward product or toward
reactants) in which the mixture must shift to achieve equilibrium.
1. 𝟗𝟖 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐍𝐇𝟑 , 𝟒𝟓 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐍𝟐 , 𝟓𝟓 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐇𝟐
2. 𝟓𝟕 , 𝟏𝟒𝟑 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐍𝟐 , 𝟕𝟗. 𝟔 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐇𝟐
3. 𝟏𝟑 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐍𝐇𝟑 , 𝟏𝟕𝟐 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐍𝟐 , 𝟖𝟐 𝐚𝐭𝐦 𝐇𝟐

Page 8 of 9
 DIVISION OF GEN. TRIAS CITY
Project ISuLAT Mo Gen. Trias Worksheets
(Intensified Support to Learning Alternatives Through Modules and Worksheets)

References
Brown, T.L et al. 2012. Chemistry: A Central Science. 12th Ed. Prentice Hall
(USA).425-438

Chang, Raymond. Chemistry 10th Ed. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. New York. 2010.

Teaching Guide for Senior High School. General Chemistry 2. 2016.

Zumdahl Steven S., S. A. (2016). Chemistry. Boston, USA: Cengage Learning.

Page 9 of 9