-Chemical Equilibrium is a condition wherein the concentration of reactants and products are equal and balance. A state in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal and the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant. An example of chemical equilibrium is:

 

 

 

 

 

There are 2 types of Chemical Equilibrium:

• Reversible reaction

• Irreversible reaction

 

-Reversible reaction is a chemical reaction resulted in an equilibrium of reactants and products. The reactants can proceed in both directions, forward and backward. An example is

 

 

 

 

 

Wherein, N2 and 3H2 can react to from 2NH3. Or 2NH3 can decompose to form N2 and 3H2.

 

-Irreversible Reaction is a chemical reaction that can only proceed in one direction. Once the reactants are converted into products, they can no longer reactants. An example is

 

 

 

 

 

Wherein CaCO3 can form CaO and CO2. But CaO and CO2 cannot form CaCO3.

 

 

*Computing Kc

Kc  is the ratio of the concentration of the product(s) over the concentration of the reactant(s). Each raised to the power of their coefficients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Kc > 1 the reaction will shift to the Right. Or products will be formed.

When Kc < 1 the reaction will shift to the Left. Or Reactants will be formed.

 

 

Sources:

http://web.gccaz.edu/~ldiebolt/00152note/14Equilibrium.pdf

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Reversible+and+Irreversible+Reactions

http://www.citycollegiate.com/chemical_equilibrium5.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversible_reaction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_equilibrium

 

written by: Krystelle Bautista