Chemical equilibrium is a state in a chemical reaction where the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time. This means that the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction, resulting in no net change in the amounts of reactants and products.
Equilibrium constant (K) is calculated by dividing the concentration of products by the concentration of reactants, each raised to the power of their respective coefficients in the balanced chemical equation. This expression is also known as the law of mass action.
Temperature, pressure, and concentration of reactants and products are the main factors that affect chemical equilibrium. Changes in these factors can shift the equilibrium point to favor either the forward or reverse reaction, altering the concentrations of reactants and products.
A reaction is at equilibrium when the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time. This can be determined by observing the reaction for a significant amount of time and seeing if there is no net change in the amounts of reactants and products.
To solve a chemical equilibrium problem, you must first write a balanced chemical equation and set up an equilibrium expression using the concentrations of reactants and products. Then, use the equilibrium constant (K) and the initial concentrations of reactants and products to solve for the unknown concentration. Finally, check your answer by plugging it back into the equilibrium expression to ensure it satisfies the law of mass action.