CHEMICAL REACTIONS

Chemical reaction is a process by which atoms of one or

more chemical substances interact with each other, to
produce new chemical substance with different composition
and properties.

Reactants: These are chemical substances used up

(consumed) during a chemical reaction. They are always on
the left of a chemical reaction.
Products: These are chemical substances formed
(produced) during a chemical reaction. They are always on
the right of a chemical reaction.
 CHEMICAL KINETICS
Chemical kinetics is a branch of chemistry that deals with the rate
of chemical reactions (the speed at which reactions occurs) and
reaction mechanism (i.e step by step description of how reactants
are converted to products). Chemical kinetics provides information on
how long it takes a reaction to occur, how fast a reaction goes, how
the rates can be measured and the pathways through which the
reactants are converted to products.
Chemical reactions go at different rates:
1. Some reactions are so fast and instantaneous that their rate
cannot be measured e.g precipitation reaction, neutralization
reaction.
2. Some reaction proceeds at slow rates that their progress can
be monitored e.g decaying of wood, rusting of iron and oxidation of
diamond.
RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION
Definitions
Rate of chemical reactions can be defined as the number of moles of
reactants used up or number of moles of product formed per unit time.
Or
Rate of chemical reaction can be defined as the change in quantity of a
reactant or product per unit time.
The quantity of a reactant or product may be concentration, mass or
volume.
Mathematically,
𝚫𝐑/𝚫𝐏
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 =
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Where
ΔR = change in concentration, mass or volume of reactants
ΔP = change in concentration, mass or volume of products

From the above illustration, the unit of reaction rate depends

on the quantity being measured. However, reaction rate is
directly proportional to the quantity of reactants and inversely
proportional to the time taken.

Solved problem
1.Marble chip weighing 4.0g were dropped into a large volume of
hydrochloric acid, 2.5g of the marble remained after 5 minutes.
Calculate the rate of the reaction.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Solution:
𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 =
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧
Change in mass = (4.0 – 2.5)g
= 1.5g
Time taken = 5 x 60 = 300 seconds
𝟏. 𝟓𝐠
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 =
𝟑𝟎𝟎𝐬

= 0.005gs-1
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

2. In the reaction:
H2(g) + I2(g) 2HI(g) ΔH = -13Kj

If the concentration of HI increases from 0 to 0.001 moldm-3 in

50 seconds. Calculate the rate of the reaction.

Solution:

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 =
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧
Change in concentration = (0.001 – 0.0)moldm-3
= 0.001molmdm-3
Time taken = 50 seconds

𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟏𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐦 − 𝟑
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 =
𝟓𝟎𝐬 = 2 X 10-5 moldm-3s-1
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Determination of Reaction Rates

The rate of a chemical reaction can be determined by
measuring any of the following properties:
1.Increase in quantity of a product with time.
2.Loss of mass of reactant
3.Concentration of acid or base
4.Change in pressure of the system
5.Colour change
6.Mass of precipitate
7.PH measurement
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Rate Curve
Rate curve is the graph of quantity of reactant or product against time
taken.
End of reaction

Q
u
a
n
t
i
t
y

Time taken
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
FEATURES OF RATE CURVE
1.It passes through the origin. This is because there is no change in
concentration or mass at the start of reaction.
2.It steeps at first, this is because the rate is fast at the beginning.
3.It becomes less steep later. This is because the rate slows down.
4.It finally becomes horizontally. This is because the reaction has
reached the end points.

Theories of Reaction Rate

Many theories have been put forward to explain why different
chemical reactions proceeds at different rates. The notable ones
are:
1.Collision Theory
2.Activation energy Theory
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Collision Theory
Collision theory states that reacting particles must collide before the
products can be formed. This implies that the rate of a reaction depends on
the number of collisions per unit time as well as the fraction of these
collisions that are effective (successful) because adequate energy is
involved.
For a collision to be effective,
1. The colliding particles must possess enough energy that is equal to or
greater than the activation energy.
2. The colliding particles must be properly oriented (i.e aligned)
Consider the reaction

2HI H 2 + I2
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Activation Energy Theory

This theory postulates that for a reactant to transform into a
product, the colliding particles of the reactant must possess a
certain amount of energy so as to overcome the reaction barrier.
This energy is the activation energy (Ea). Activation energy is the
minimum amount of energy reactants particle must possess for a
collision to be effective or for a reaction to occur. For a reaction to
occur, the energy of the colliding reactants particles must equal or
more than the activation energy. Activation energy can be likened to
an energy barrier which must be overcome before a reaction can
occur.

Note: The two conditions that can lead to ineffective collisions during
a chemical reaction are:
1.Poor orientation or non – alignment of colliding particles
2.Inadequate activation energy or low temperature.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Chemical reactions are either accompanied by the evolution or absorption of heat

(H). the heat change (ΔH) in a chemical reaction is recognized by a rise or fall in
the temperature of the reaction system.
In terms of heat change, the two types of physico – chemical processes are:
1. Exothermic reaction: These are reactions in which heat is liberated to the
surrounding by the reactants, leading to a rise in the temperature of the system.
Examples of exothermic reactions are:
a) Addition of concentrated acid to water
b) Neutralization reactions (reaction between acid and bases to for salt and water
only)
c) Displacement reaction
d) Dissolution of NaOH or KOH pellets in water
For exothermic reaction, heat of products is less than heat of reactant. Thus heat
change is given a negative sign.
i.e ΔH = Hp - Hr
Hp < Hr
:● ΔH = -xkJ
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

2. Endothermic reaction: These are reactions in which heat is absorbed

from the surrounding by the reactants, leading to a fall in the
temperature of the system. Examples of endothermic processes are:
a) Dissolution of ammonium chloride in water
b) Dissolution of sodium ethanoate in water
For endothermic reaction, heat of products is greater than heat of
reactant. Thus heat change is given a positive sign.
i.e ΔH = Hp - Hr
Hp > Hr
:● ΔH = +xkJ
Summary
For exothermic reaction, ΔH = -xkJ
For endothermic reaction, ΔH = +xkJ
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Energy Profile/ Reaction Profile Diagram

Energy profile is the graphical representation of heat changes
in the course of a chemical reaction.
Or
Energy profile is the graphical sequence of steps by which
reaction progresses from reactants through activated complex
to product.

Activated complex: Activated complex is the unstable species

formed by the reactants after absorbing enough activation
energy (in form of heat) before forming the products.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Energy Profile Diagram for Exothermic Reaction

Activated Complex (Ac)

Energy

Activation Energy (Ea)

Reactants

ΔH = -ve

Products

Reaction Pathway or Co-ordinate

 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Energy Profile Diagram for Endothermic Reaction

Energy

Activated Complex (Ac)

Activation Energy (Ea)

Products

ΔH = +ve
Reactants

Reaction Pathway or Co-ordinate

 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Factors Affecting the Rates of Reactions

The seven factors that affect reaction rates are:
 Nature of the reactants
 Surface areas of reactants
 Effects of temperature
 Concentration of reactants
 Pressure changes in gaseous reactants
 Presence of catalyst
 Effects of light or radiation on the reaction

Collision theory can be used in explaining the effects of these

factors on the reaction rate.
According to collision theory, any factors that increases the
rate of collision between the reactant particles will increase the
rate of reaction and vice versa.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
1. The nature of the reactants:
The rate of chemical reaction is influenced by the nature of the
reactants taking part in the reaction. The physical state or bond type of
reactants affects the speed of the reaction. For a substance in
different physical state, the order of reactivity is:
Solid phase < liquid phase< Gas phase
The solid phase is very slow, the gas phase is very fast and the speed of
the liquid phase is moderate.
Also, the type of bonds present in reactants affects reaction rate.
For instance, ionic compounds in aqueous solutions react faster than their
covalent counterparts. This is due to the fact that ionic compounds can
produce mobile ions in solution. The mobile ion can easily acquire energy
equal to or greater than the activation energy of the reaction. For
example, hydrogen combines vigorously with chlorine under certain
conditions, but only slightly reacts with nitrogen under the same
conditions. Also when iron is placed in dilute hydrochloric acid, there is a
slow evolution of hydrogen gas, with a piece of zinc, the reaction is rapid
and with gold, there is no evidence of reaction.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

2.Surface Area of Reactants:

Surface area is a measure of the particles exposed
or available for physical or chemical attack. This
factor is very important when one of the reactant is
solid.
Consider a cube of sugar and granulated sugar of
the same mass. The surface area of granulated
sugar is larger than that of the cube of sugar.
Similarly, the surface area of one gram of
magnesium powder is larger than that of one gram
of magnesium ribbon.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
3. Effect of Temperature:
Generally, reaction rate increases as temperature rises i.e
reaction rate is directly proportional to temperature.
Studies have shown that for every 10OC rise in
temperature, reaction rate is doubled or tripled.
When the temperature of a system is increased:
i. the kinetic energy of each of the reacting particle
increases.
ii.the frequency of ordinary collision and effective collisions
increases per unit time.
iii.many of the reacting particles would acquire energy greater
than or equal to the activation energy of the reaction.
Hence, reaction rates increases.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
4. Concentration of Reactants:
The concentration of a solution is a measure of the number of reactant
particles in the solution. When a solution is concentrated, there are more
reactant particles per unit volume than when it is dilute.
Generally, an increase in the concentration of reactants make reacting
particles to be in close contact with one another, thereby increasing the
frequency of collision and hence increasing the reaction rate. A decrease in
the concentration of reactants decreases the chances of collisions and hence
decreases the rate of reaction.

5. Effect of Pressure:
A change in pressure affects chemical system in which one or more of the
reactants or products are in gases. An increase in pressure on a given mass
of gas at constant temperature leads to a decrease in volume and hence an
increase in the rate of effective collision of the reactants and hence the rate
of reaction. Conversely, a decrease in pressure on gaseous system decreases
the rate of reaction.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

6. Effect of Catalyst:
A catalyst is a substance which alters the rate of a
chemical reaction but remains chemically unchanged at
the end of the reaction.
When a catalyst is employed to increase the
reaction rate, it does so by providing an alternative
pathway for the reaction i.e by lowering
the activation energy at constant temperature.
Note: Enthalpy change (ΔH) for any reaction, whether
exothermic or endothermic is not affected by
catalyst.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
Energy Profile Diagram for Catalyzed Reaction

(a) Exothermic Reaction

Activated Complex for

Energy
uncatalyzed reaction

Activation Energy for

uncatalyzed reaction (Ea)

Activated Complex for

catalyzed reaction

Activation Energy for

Reactants catalyzed reaction (Ea)

ΔH = -ve

Products

Reaction Pathway or Co-ordinate

 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

b. Endothermic Reaction

Energy Activated Complex (Ac) for

uncatalyzed reaction

Activation Energy (Ea) for

uncatalyzed reaction
Activated Complex (Ac) for
catalyzed reaction
Activation Energy (Ea) for
catalyzed reaction
Products

ΔH = +ve
Reactants

Reaction Pathway or Co-ordinate

 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Types of catalyst
There are two types of catalyst:
1. Natural (organic) catalyst: Natural catalyst include sunlight and enzymes (Enzymes are organic
catalyst which controls the rate of biochemical reaction in living organism.)
2. Artificial (inorganic catalyst): Artificial catalyst are usually transition metals and their
oxides. Inorganic catalyst can be grouped into positive and negative catalyst. A catalyst
which increases the rate of a reaction is a positive catalyst while a catalyst which decreases
the rate of a reaction is a negative catalyst.

Characteristic of a Catalyst
1. A catalyst alters the rate of a chemical reaction
2. A catalyst remains unchanged in chemical nature and mass at the end of a reaction.
3. A catalyst is specific in action i.e a given catalyst will act on only one particular reaction
4. A catalyst cannot start (initiate) a reaction. It is only effective when the reaction is already
in progress.
5. A catalyst has no effect on the equilibrium position of a reversible reaction.
6. A catalyst does not affect the types of product formed in a reaction
7. A catalyst will affect the rate of a reaction even though it is present in very small amount.
8. The effect of a solid catalyst is improved by increasing its surface area.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

7.Effect of Light or radiation:

Some reactions occur only in the presence of sunlight, such
reactions will not occur in the dark. In these reactions, sunlight
provides the required energy to promote the frequent collisions
between the particles leading to the expected reactions.
A reaction that occurs in the presence of light is called
photochemical or photocatalytic reaction.
Examples of photochemical reactions are:
1.Reaction between hydrogen and chlorine
2.The conversion of silver halides to grey metallic silver
3.Photosynthesis in plant
4.The reaction between methane and chlorine
5.The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
RATE EQUATION
Rate equation is the mathematical expression that shows the quantitative
relationship between reaction rate and concentration of reactants.
For a general reaction
A + B Products
It is found experimentally that:
Rate α [A]x [B]y
Rate = k [A]x [B]y
The equation is known as the rate law or rate equation,
Where
K = specific rate constant
X = exponent to which the concentration of A is raised or the order of the reaction with respect to
A
Y = exponent to which the concentration of B is raised or the order of the reaction with respect to
B
The sum of the exponents x and y gives the overall order or total order of the reaction. For
instance:
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
x + y = 0 zero – order reaction
x + y = 1 firs – order reaction
x + y = 2 second – order reaction
x + y = 3 third – order reaction

Note: The order of a reaction cannot be deduced from the stoichiometry

(balanced equation) of the reaction. It is actually an experimentally
determined quantity.
Example 1: During the study of kinetics of the reaction
A + 2B 2C + D
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
The following data were obtained

Experiment Concentration of A Concentration of B Rate (moldm-3s-1)

(moldm-3) (moldm-3)

1 0.10 0.10 7.6 X 10-3

2 0.10 0.20 1.52 X 10-2

3 0.20 0.10 1.52 X 10-2

I. Determine the order of the reaction with respect to A and B

II.Write the:
i. Overall order of the reaction
ii. Rate equation for the reaction
III. Calculate the specific rate constant of the reaction and give its
units.
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Solution
I. Let the general rate equation be
Rate = k [A]x [B]y
To determine x, use the data in experiments 1 and 3 (where the
concentration of B is constant) to set up two simultaneous equations:
7.6 X 10-3 = k [0.10]x [0.10]y ....................... (i)
1.52 X 10-2 = k [0.20]x [0.10]y ....................... (ii)
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Divide equation (ii) by equation (i)

1.52 X 10-2 = k [0.20]x = [0.10]y

7.6 X 10-3 = k [0.10]x = [0.10]y

2 = 2x
21 = 2x
X = 1

To determine y, use the data in experiments 1 and 2 (where the

concentration of A is constant) to set up two simultaneous equations:
7.6 X 10-3 = k [0.10]x [0.10]y ....................... (iii)
1.52 X 10-2 = k [0.10]x [0.20]y ....................... (iv)
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.

Divide equation (iv) by equation (iii)

1.52 X 10-2 = k [0.10]x = [0.20]y
7.6 X 10-3 = k [0.10]x = [0.10]y

2 = 2y
21 = 2y
y = 1
II. (i)x + y
1 + 1 = 2
The overall order is second – order reaction
(ii) Rate = k [A]1 [B]1
III. To determine the specific rate equation, use the data in any of
the experiments
 RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION Contd.
K = Rate

[A]1[B]1

Using the data in experiment 1

K = 7.6 X 10-3 moldm-3s-1

(0.10moldm-3) (0.10moldm-3)

K = 7.6 X 10-1 mol-1 dm+3 s-1

Example 2
A kinetic study of the reaction:

A + B E
Was carried out at different concentrations of the reactants at 25OC. the results obtained
are summarized in the table below:

Experiment No [A] moldm-3 [B] moldm-3 Reaction rate

moldm-3s-1
I 0.10 0.10 2.0 X 10-5
II 0.10 0.20 8.0 X 10-5
III 0.20 0.10 4.0 X 10-5

Determine:
(i) the specific rate law of the reaction
(ii)the overall order of the reaction
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
Chemical equilibrium is a state of dynamic balance in which the
rate of forward reactions is equal to the rate of backward
reactions.
At equilibrium, both the forward and backward reactions
are still going on, but because their rates are the same, the
concentration of the reactants and products no longer change
with time. Hence, chemical equilibrium is dynamic not static.
At equilibrium, both the reactants and products are present in
the system. A system in which the rates of forward process
or reaction is equal to the rate of backward process or
reaction is known as equilibrium system
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.

Properties of System at Equilibrium

For a chemical system to reach equilibrium, the following conditions must
be operating:
1.It must be involved in reversible processes.
2.The equilibrium is dynamic
3.The rates of forward and backward reactions are equal
4.The free energy change (ΔG) of the system is zero
5.The concentration of the reactants and products, pressure, density or
intensity of colour and the temperature of the system are constant
i.e the same
6.The system is closed or isolated (closed system is one that does not
exchange matter and heat energy with its surrounding)
7.The equilibrium position is not affected by the presence of catalyst.
Catalyst on quickens the rate at which equilibrium is attained.
8.A system at equilibrium will resist a change.
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.

Reversible Reactions
A reversible reaction is one which can be made to
proceed forward and backward under a given set of
conditions. Reversible reaction is denoted by the symbol
between reactants and products

E.g N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)

 Le Chatelier’s principle
CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.

A French chemist, Hery Le Chatelier, studied how changes in concentration,

pressure, temperature, presence of catalyst and addition of noble gas into a
reaction at equilibrium affect the equilibrium positions.
The results of his studies gave rise to a generalization known as Le
Chatelier’s principle.
Le Chatelier’s principle state that ‘’ if a chemical system is in equilibrium
and one of the factors involved in the equilibrium is altered, the equilibrium
will shift so as to annul or cancel out or neutralize the effect of the change’’
Or
Le chatelier;s principle state that’’ if a chemical system at equilibrium is
disturbed, the system adjusts itself, in order to restore the equilibrium.
The principle is of the view that whenever a system in equilibrium is
affected by increase or decrease in one of the factors keeping the system in
equilibrium, the other factors will change their values so as to restore the
equilibrium.
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.
Factors Affecting Position of Equilibrium
The three major factors that affect the position or state of equilibrium of a system
are:
1. Changes in temperature of the system
2. Changes in the concentrations of reactants or products
3. Changes in the pressure of the system

1. Effect of Temperature Change:

In any reversible reaction in which the forward reaction is exothermic (ΔH is –
ve), the backward reaction will be endothermic (ΔH is +ve). However, the
magnitude of ΔH will be equal.
For exothermic reaction, decrease in temperature of the system favours
forward reaction and equilibrium position shift to the right while increase in the
temperature of the system favours backward reaction and equilibrium position
shift to the left.
For endothermic reaction, increase in temperature of the system favours
forward reaction and equilibrium position shift to the right while decrease in the
temperature of the system favours backward reaction and equilibrium position
shift to the left.
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.
e.g. X2(g) + 2Y2(g) 2XY2(g) ; ΔH = -xkJmol-1

In the reaction above, decrease in temperature favours the formation

of XY2 and equilibrium position shift to the right because the forward
reaction is exothermic. But increasing the temperature of the systems
favours the formation of X2 and Y2 and the position of equilibrium shift
to the left because the reverse reaction is endothermic.

2. Effect of change in concentration:

Case 1: Addition of more reactants and / or removal of products
favours forward reaction and equilibrium position shift to the right.

Case 2: Addition of more products and / or removal of reactants

favours backward reaction and equilibrium position shift to the left.
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.
e.g.
Consider the reaction represented by the equation.

2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) ; ΔH = -188KJ

The addition of either more of SO2 or O2 and / or removal of some of the
SO3 produced favours forward reaction and equilibrium position shift to the
right while the addition of more of SO3 and / or removal of some of SO2
or O2 favours backward reaction and equilibrium position shift to the left.

3. Effect of pressure change:

Pressure change affects only gaseous reactants and products, it has no
effect on a solid or a liquid in an equilibrium system.

Case 1: Increase in pressure on a system in equilibrium shifts the

equilibrium position in favour of the side with smaller volume of gas.
Conversely, a decrease in pressure shift the equilibrium position in favour
of the side with larger volume of gas.
e.g. CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.

Consider the production of ammonia by Haber process. It is a

reversible reaction:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)
1vol. 3vol. 2vol

4vol
In the above reaction, increase in pressure favours the fomation of ammonia (NH3) and
equilibrium position shift to the right because the volume of the gaseous product is less
than the volume of the gaseous reactants, while a decrease in pressure favours backward
reaction and equilibrium position shift to the left because ther volume of the gaseous
reactants is more than the volume of the gaseous product.

Note: The presence of catalyst in a reversible reaction and the addition of noble gas into
a system at equilibrium has no effect on the position of equilibrium. Catalyst on shortens
the time for attainment of equilibrium while the addition of noble or inert gas only
increase the total pressure of the system.
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.
EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT
Equilibrium constant is the ratio of the concentration of product
and equilibrium concentration of reactant with each concentration
raised to the power corresponding to the coefficient in the
balanced equation. Equilibrium constant is denoted by KC if the
reaction involves solids, liquids or solution and KP for gaseous
reaction.
[PRODUCTS]
KC =
[REACTANTS]

In the general reaction in solution:

mA(aq) + nB(aq) xB(aq) + yD(aq)
where m, n,x, and y are the coefficients in
the balanced equation of reaction.
[C]x[D]y
KC =

[A]m[B]n
For instance, in the reaction: CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.

N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)

[NH3]2
KC =

[N2][H2]3

In an equilibrium system in which a solid or a pure liquid solvent is a

reactant or product – as in heterogeneous reaction, the active mass of a
solid or a pure liquid is assumed to be unity and constant at a given
temperature e.g.
CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g)

[CaO(s)][CO2(g)]
KC =

[CaCO3(s)]
Since CaCO3 and CaO are solids, then
[CaCO3(s)] = [CaO(s)] = 1 Therefore, KC = [CO2(g)]
 CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTD.

Magnitude of Equilibrium constant, KC

The following are true of the value of KC
1.The value of KC is constant at a given temperature.
2.Its value does not depend on the initial concentrations of reactants or
products, but depends only on the equilibrium concentrations, which can
only be determined experimentally.
3.If KC is greater than 1 (unity), then a large amount of products is
present in the system at equilibrium, that is a large amount of reactants
has been converted into product before equilibrium is achieved:
[Product] >> [Reactant]
4. If KC is less than 1 (unity), it means only a small amount of the reactant
has been converted into products before equilibrium is achieved:
[Product] << [Reactant]
Equilibrium Constant (KP)
When the partial pressure, P of gaseous reactants and products are
considered at equilibrium, the equilibrium law for the reaction:
mA(g) + nB(g) xB(g) + yD(g)

KP = PBx PyD
PAmPBn
For example, in the reaction
N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)

P2 NH3
KP
=

P N2 P3 H2
Question 1
The following results were obtained during the analysis of a reaction
CO2(g) + H2(g) H2O(g) + CO(g)

Given that [CO2] = 0.75moldm-3, [H2] = 0.32moldm-3, [H2O] = 0.30moldm-3,

[CO] = 0.55moldm-3. Calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction.
Question 2
Consider the reaction represented by the equation:
V2O5
2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3 ; ΔH = -188KJ

i. Write an expression for the equilibrium constant (KC)

ii. State with reason the effect of the following on the position of equilibrium of the
system
a) Increase in temperature of the system
b) Increase in pressure of the system
c) Removal of some of the SO3 produced
d) Presence of V2O5
 Study the following energy profile diagram

400
Energy(KJmol-1)

300
A+B
200
C+D
100

0
Reaction pathway

From the diagram, determine the value of the:

I. Enthalpy of reaction
II.Activation energy of reaction
III.State whether the reaction is for an exothermic or an endothermic reaction

IV What name is given to a substance, which can provide an alternative pathway

for the reaction?
 Assignment
State two conditions that can lead to ineffective collision