Introduction to Equilibrium
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AP Chemistry › Introduction to Equilibrium
At 25°C, the autoionization of water, $$2H_2O(l) \rightleftharpoons H_3O^+(aq) + OH^-(aq)$$, is a reversible reaction that establishes equilibrium. Which statement correctly describes pure water at equilibrium?
The concentration of water molecules is equal to the concentration of hydronium ions.
Water molecules continuously form ions, and ions continuously recombine to form water molecules.
The reaction proceeds only in the forward direction until the pH reaches 7.
No ionization occurs, so the concentrations of $$H_3O^+$$ and $$OH^-$$ are zero.
Explanation
The correct answer is B. This statement perfectly captures the dynamic nature of the autoionization equilibrium. Even in pure water, there is constant activity at the molecular level, with forward and reverse reactions occurring at equal rates. A is incorrect, as ions are present. C is incorrect as the reverse reaction is crucial for establishing equilibrium. D is incorrect, as the concentration of water is vastly greater than the very small concentrations of the ions.
The transfer of a proton in the weak acid dissociation $$CH_3COOH(aq) + H_2O(l) \rightleftharpoons CH_3COO^-(aq) + H_3O^+(aq)$$ is a reversible process. At equilibrium:
the rate of proton donation by $$CH_3COOH$$ equals the rate of proton acceptance by $$CH_3COO^-$$.
the forward and reverse reactions alternate, with only one occurring at any given instant.
the solution contains only $$CH_3COOH$$ and $$H_2O$$ molecules.
the pH of the solution is exactly equal to the pKa of the acid.
Explanation
The correct answer is B. This statement accurately describes the dynamic equilibrium in terms of the forward reaction (proton donation by the acid) and the reverse reaction (proton acceptance by the conjugate base). A is incorrect because at equilibrium, all species in the equation are present. C is only true at the half-equivalence point of a titration, not for a general equilibrium state. D is incorrect because both reactions occur simultaneously and continuously.
A student incorrectly states, 'A reaction at equilibrium is a static system where no molecular changes occur.' What is the primary reason this statement is false?
Equilibrium can only be established in open systems where molecules can enter and leave.
Equilibrium is a dynamic process where reactant and product molecules are interconverting at equal rates.
Molecular changes do occur, but only to convert the remaining reactants into products until none are left.
At equilibrium, only the forward reaction continues while the reverse reaction has completely stopped.
Explanation
The correct answer is B. The core concept of chemical equilibrium is that it is dynamic, not static. At the molecular level, forward and reverse reactions continue to occur. The macroscopic stability (no change in concentrations) is a result of these opposing rates being equal. A is false; equilibrium is typically studied in closed systems. C and D describe irreversible reactions or reactions not yet at equilibrium.
The reaction $$N_2(g) + 3H_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2NH_3(g)$$ is allowed to reach equilibrium in a rigid, sealed vessel. Which macroscopic property will remain constant once equilibrium is established?
The individual partial pressures of each gas species in the vessel.
The rate of the forward reaction relative to the reverse reaction.
The total pressure of the gaseous mixture in the vessel.
The total mass of the gaseous mixture in the vessel.
Explanation
The correct answer is B. At equilibrium, the concentrations (and therefore partial pressures) of all species become constant. Since the total pressure is the sum of the partial pressures, it also remains constant. A is incorrect because mass is always conserved in a closed system, whether at equilibrium or not. C is incorrect because individual partial pressures are constant at equilibrium, but this describes the equilibrium condition itself rather than a consequence. D is incorrect because at equilibrium the rates are equal, not that their relative values remain constant.
A chemist monitors a reaction and records the concentration of a product over time. The concentration increases for 15 minutes and then remains constant for the next 30 minutes. What can be concluded about the system after 15 minutes?
The limiting reactant has been completely consumed, stopping the reaction.
The reverse reaction rate has become greater than the forward reaction rate, stabilizing the concentrations.
The system has reached equilibrium, and the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are now equal.
The reaction has gone to completion because the product concentration is now constant.
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Constant concentrations are the key macroscopic evidence that a reversible system has reached equilibrium. The reason concentrations are constant is that the forward and reverse rates have become equal, leading to no net change. A and B are possible explanations for an irreversible reaction, but for a general chemical process, equilibrium is the most appropriate conclusion for constant concentrations. D is incorrect because if the reverse rate were greater, the product concentration would decrease, not remain constant.
A saturated aqueous solution of lead(II) chloride, $$PbCl_2$$, is in contact with solid $$PbCl_2$$. The system is described by the equilibrium $$PbCl_2(s) \rightleftharpoons Pb^{2+}(aq) + 2Cl^-(aq)$$. Which statement correctly describes this system?
The processes of dissolving and precipitation have both completely stopped.
The concentration of $$Pb^{2+}(aq)$$ is exactly half the concentration of $$Cl^-(aq)$$ due to the stoichiometry of the solid.
The rate of dissolution of $$PbCl_2(s)$$ is equal to the rate of precipitation of $$Pb^{2+}(aq)$$ and $$Cl^-(aq)$$.
The concentration of $$Pb^{2+}$$ ions in the solution is zero because the solid is present.
Explanation
The correct answer is C. A saturated solution in contact with excess solid represents a dynamic equilibrium. The solid dissolves at a certain rate, and the ions in solution precipitate at a certain rate. At equilibrium, these two rates are equal. A is incorrect because the ions exist in the saturated solution. B is incorrect because equilibrium is dynamic, not static. D is incorrect because while the stoichiometry of dissolution produces two chloride ions for every one lead ion, the statement is about the equilibrium condition itself, which is defined by rates, not simply concentration ratios.
A chemical reaction is at equilibrium in a closed container. Which of the following statements best describes the state of the system?
The concentrations of reactants and products are equal and remain constant.
The rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.
The forward and reverse reactions have stopped completely.
All of the reactant particles have been converted into product particles.
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Chemical equilibrium is a dynamic state where the rate of the forward reaction is exactly equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. This results in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products, but reactions are still occurring. A is incorrect because concentrations are constant, but not necessarily equal. B is incorrect because equilibrium is dynamic; reactions do not stop. D describes a reaction that has gone to completion, not one at equilibrium.
In a sealed container, the reversible reaction $\text{PCl}_5(g)\rightleftharpoons \text{PCl}_3(g)+\text{Cl}_2(g)$ reaches a point where the measured amounts of each gas do not change with time. Which statement best describes the system at equilibrium?
The reverse reaction stops, so only decomposition continues slowly.
The forward and reverse reactions continue, and their rates are equal.
The reaction stops because particles no longer collide effectively.
The forward reaction has stopped because all reactant has been used up.
The concentrations of $\text{PCl}_5$, $\text{PCl}_3$, and $\text{Cl}_2$ are all equal.
Explanation
This question tests understanding of equilibrium in decomposition reactions. At equilibrium, PCl₅ molecules continue to decompose into PCl₃ and Cl₂, while PCl₃ and Cl₂ simultaneously recombine to form PCl₅, with both the forward and reverse reactions proceeding at equal rates. This dynamic balance results in constant concentrations of all species over time. Choice A incorrectly assumes equilibrium requires equal concentrations of all species, which confuses the equilibrium condition with a specific equilibrium position. To recognize equilibrium, focus on the equality of reaction rates in both directions, not on concentration relationships or the misconception that reactions stop.
A sealed vessel contains the reversible reaction $\text{PCl}_5(g) \rightleftharpoons \text{PCl}_3(g) + \text{Cl}_2(g)$ at constant temperature. After some time, the amounts of each gas remain constant. Which statement correctly describes the system at equilibrium?
The concentrations of $\text{PCl}_5$, $\text{PCl}_3$, and $\text{Cl}_2$ are equal.
Only $\text{PCl}_5$ decomposes at equilibrium; recombination does not occur.
The forward reaction rate is greater than the reverse rate, but amounts stay constant.
The forward and reverse reaction rates are equal, so there is no net change.
The reaction has stopped completely, so molecules no longer interconvert.
Explanation
This question assesses comprehension of equilibrium in decomposition reactions. In PCl₅(g) ⇌ PCl₃(g) + Cl₂(g), the constant amounts of gases indicate equilibrium has been reached. This happens because the forward decomposition and reverse recombination rates are equal, resulting in no net change. Dynamic equilibrium implies ongoing molecular interconversions, balanced to keep compositions stable. Choice C misleads by stating concentrations must be equal, reflecting the misconception that equilibrium requires equal quantities rather than equal rates. To tackle these questions, emphasize the equality of rates over equality of concentrations.
The reversible reaction $2\text{NO}(g)+\text{O}_2(g)\rightleftharpoons 2\text{NO}_2(g)$ occurs in a sealed container. After some time, the concentrations of $\text{NO}$, $\text{O}_2$, and $\text{NO}_2$ remain constant. Which statement correctly describes the rates at equilibrium?
The forward reaction rate is zero, but the reverse reaction rate is nonzero.
The reaction is at equilibrium only if all species have the same concentration.
The reverse reaction rate is zero, but the forward reaction rate is nonzero.
The forward reaction rate equals the reverse reaction rate.
The rates alternate between forward and reverse, causing no net change overall.
Explanation
This question tests understanding of reaction rates at equilibrium. At equilibrium, NO and O₂ molecules continue to react to form NO₂, while NO₂ molecules simultaneously decompose back to NO and O₂, with the forward reaction rate exactly equal to the reverse reaction rate. This equality of rates maintains constant concentrations of all species. Choice B incorrectly suggests only the reverse reaction continues, which would cause concentrations to change over time. When analyzing equilibrium, remember that constant concentrations result from equal rates of opposing processes, not from one reaction stopping while the other continues.