FreeNotes
A change in temperature can significantly affect the position of equilibrium, as predicted by Le Chatelier’s Principle. According to this principle, if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in temperature, the system will shift in such a way as to counteract that change. For an Exothermic Reaction (one that releases heat): If … Read more
Some reactions never reach equilibrium because they are inherently irreversible. For example, reactions that involve the complete combustion of a fuel or the formation of an insoluble precipitate go to completion without reversing. Other factors, such as very high activation energy or the extreme stability of products, can also prevent the establishment of equilibrium. Related … Read more
As a system approaches equilibrium, the rates of the forward and backward reactions change. Initially, the rate of the forward reaction is higher because reactants are being converted into products. Over time, as the concentration of the products increases and the concentration of the reactants decreases, the rate of the forward reaction slows down. Simultaneously, … Read more