Abstract
Chemical reactions are irreversible processes that reach a state of equilibrium. Under well-defined conditions, this state of chemical equilibrium of a system is characterized by a unique composition, defined by the law of mass action.
Problems dealing with chemical equilibrium and the law of mass action are among those topics that students consider to be difficult. A general method based on the equilibrium extent of reaction is presented to tackle such problems in a systematic way. The selection of problems highlights different aspects of chemical equilibrium, such as equilibrium in parallel reactions, equilibrium in open and closed systems, or equilibrium in dilute solutions.
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Notes
- 1.
See also the discussion of the limiting reactant in Problem 2.3.
- 2.
For the definition of the chemical potential see Eq. (3.100) at page 52.
- 3.
- 4.
Strictly speaking, the definition of the pH value is based on activities rather than on concentrations.
- 5.
A frequently occurring error of novices is to add quantities with different units or, as in this case, to misapply the factor 103 hidden in the unit kilojoule (kJ).
- 6.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov).
- 7.
Syngas or synthesis gas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
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Vogt, J. (2017). Chemical Equilibrium. In: Exam Survival Guide: Physical Chemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49810-2_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49810-2_5
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Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
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