Concentration and Reversible Reactions

• What is the point called when the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate in a reversible reaction?

  Equilibrium
• What happens to a system at equilibrium when changes are made to the conditions?

  • The system responds to counteract the change
  • The forward and reverse reactions are no longer at the same rate
  • Concentrations of all substances will change until equilibrium is re-established
• What is the principle called that describes how a system at equilibrium responds to changes?

  Le Chatelier's principle
• What occurs when the concentration of a reactant is increased in a reversible reaction at equilibrium?

  More products will be formed until equilibrium is re-established.
• What happens when the concentration of a product is decreased in a reversible reaction at equilibrium?

  More reactants will react to form products until equilibrium is re-established.
• What is the effect of increasing the concentration of a product in a reversible reaction at equilibrium?

  More reactants will be formed until equilibrium is re-established.
• How does changing the concentration of reactants or products affect a reversible reaction at equilibrium?

  • Changes disrupt the equilibrium
  • The system will adjust to counteract the change
  • Concentrations will shift until a new equilibrium is reached