Chapter 3: Chemical Equilibria
Introduction
In this chapter, we explore the concept of chemical equilibrium , a dynamic state in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products. This principle governs countless chemical systems, from industrial processes to biological mechanisms. We’ll delve into how equilibrium constants, reaction quotients, and Le Chatelier’s Principle help predict the behavior of chemical reactions under different conditions.
The human body relies on hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein in red blood cells, to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues. This process operates under the principles of equilibrium, as oxygen O 2 reversibly binds to hemoglobin Hb to form oxyhemoglobin, HbO 2 :
Hb (aq) + O 2 (g) ⇌ HbO 2 (aq)
In the oxygen-rich environment of the lungs, where oxygen concentration is high, the equilibrium shifts to the right, favoring oxyhemoglobin formation. Conversely, in tissues where oxygen concentration is low, the equilibrium shifts to the left, releasing oxygen for cellular respiration. Understanding equilibrium helps in medical fields, such as optimizing oxygen delivery in patients with respiratory conditions. It also plays a role in designing artificial oxygen carriers for blood substitutes.
Figure 3.1: The reversible binding of oxygen to hemoglobin in red blood cells is governed by chemical equilibrium, or a series of reversible reactions that maintain homeostasis in the blood. (CC BY-SA, 2013: Harper College, Palatine, Il. via Grade 12U Chemistry )
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- 3.2: Heterogeneous Equilibria
- When the products and reactants of an equilibrium reaction form a single phase, whether gas or liquid, the system is a homogeneous equilibrium. In such situations, the concentrations of the reactants and products can vary over a wide range. In contrast, a system whose reactants, products, or both are in more than one phase is a heterogeneous equilibrium, such as the reaction of a gas with a solid or liquid.
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- 3.4: Disruptions to Equilibrium
- Systems at equilibrium can be disturbed by changes to temperature, concentration, and, in some cases, volume and pressure; volume and pressure changes will disturb equilibrium if the number of moles of gas is different on the reactant and product sides of the reaction. The system's response to these disturbances is described by Le Châtelier's principle: The system will respond in a way that counteracts the disturbance. Adding a catalyst affects the reaction rates but does not alter equilibrium.
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- 3.5: Chemical Equilibrium Stoichiometry
- Various methods can be used to solve the two fundamental types of equilibrium problems: (1) those in which we calculate the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium and (2) those in which we use the equilibrium constant and the initial concentrations of reactants to determine the composition of the equilibrium mixture. When an equilibrium constant is calculated from equilibrium concentrations, concentrations or partial pressures are use into the equilibrium constant expression.