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Asked by: Durvasa Marik
science chemistryDoes it matter from which direction an equilibrium position is reached?
This always occurs when a reaction reaches equilibrium. No, it doesn't matter from which direction the equilibrium position is reached. Both experiments will give the same equilibrium position because both experiments started with stoichiometric amounts of reactants or products.
Furthermore, how is the equilibrium position of this reaction affected?
In the equilibrium chemical reaction heat is on the reactants side. So, change in temperature brings a change in the position of the equilibrium. When temperature is lowered, there will be a shortage of heat required to carry out the reaction. So, the equilibrium shifts to left to offset the effect.
Similarly, which direction will the reaction proceed to reach equilibrium?
If Q = Keq, the reaction is at equilibrium. If Q < Keq, the reaction will move to the right (in the forward direction) in order to reach equilibrium. If Q > Keq, the reaction will move to the left (in the reverse direction) in order to reach equilibrium.
Increasing the temperature decreases the value of the equilibrium constant. Where the forward reaction is endothermic, increasing the temperature increases the value of the equilibrium constant. The position of equilibrium also changes if you change the temperature.