RRE - Equilibrium (Lesson)
Equilibrium
Introduction
Some reactions occur in only one direction, for example, the combustion of a hydrocarbon. Once it is burned, that reaction cannot be reversed. Many reactions, however, are reversible, meaning that the products can react to form the reactants again. A common example of this is the physical change from liquid water to water vapor and back again. Not only can a reaction like this be reversible, both the forward and reverse reactions can happen at the same time. When this occurs at the same rate, we say that the system is in equilibrium. In this lesson we will explore the meaning of chemical equilibrium and learn ways to apply this to real life situations.
Equilibrium Presentation
In this segment of Chemistry Matters, our host introduces equilibrium theories and the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium. The students perform an activity using Legos® to understand the nature of how forward and reverse reactions affect equilibrium and the amount of products and reactants in a reaction.
Download the note taking guide for Chemistry Matters Unit 10 Segment A. Links to an external site.
This segment explains how to calculate the ratio of products to reactants and why this is important in the manufacture of chemicals for business. Students write equilibrium expressions and prepare to calculate equilibrium constant.
Equilibrium Expressions and Calculations Activity
You Got It!
In this segment, students find out if their calculation for the equilibrium constant of ammonia was correct. The teacher asks the students to list examples that illustrate why chemical equilibrium is important in everyday life.
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