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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Chemistry => Topic started by: kenhung123 on June 14, 2010, 07:17:38 pm

Title: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: kenhung123 on June 14, 2010, 07:17:38 pm
Once equilibrium is reached, apparently it cannot be altered in any way...Why is this the case? What prevents it from changing?
Title: Re: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: the.watchman on June 14, 2010, 07:19:13 pm
Well, that's not true, it can be changed by factors such as pressure, temperature, addition/removal of reactants/products etc. This definitely changes the equilibrium
Title: Re: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 14, 2010, 07:20:38 pm
Also, the equilibrium constant (K) only changes with temperature.  Not sure if you're up to it, but it's definitely worth noting.
Title: Re: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: kenhung123 on June 14, 2010, 07:20:52 pm
@watchman Wow you are studying unit 4 chemistry already?!
Title: Re: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: the.watchman on June 14, 2010, 07:22:37 pm
Also, the equilibrium constant (K) only changes with temperature.  Not sure if you're up to it, but it's definitely worth noting.

Ah yep, thanks :)

@watchman Wow you are studying unit 4 chemistry already?!

Just a bit :)
Title: Re: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: kenhung123 on June 14, 2010, 07:27:16 pm
Wow you are very prepared!
Title: Re: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: mark_alec on June 14, 2010, 09:02:33 pm
Once equilibrium is reached, apparently it cannot be altered in any way...Why is this the case? What prevents it from changing?
If equilibrium changed, we couldn't exactly call it equilibrium.
Title: Re: Why can't equilibrium reaction be changed?
Post by: Stojad on June 15, 2010, 03:24:37 pm
A reaction is momentarily out of equilibrium once the pressure (or concentration in solutions) has been changed or extra reactant or product has been added. However, because of Le Chatelier's Principle, the reaction will attempt to restore itself to equilibrium by having net forward or reverse reactions (i.e. producing more products or reactants). If conditions are changed, the reaction is NOT considered to be in equilibrium until it restores itself. Changing the temperature is the only thing that changes the equilibrium constant, K, hence the temperature must be stated with K.