Principles of Chemical Equilibrium

15-1 The Nature of the Equilibrium State 15-2 The Equilibrium Constant Expression 15-3 Relationships Involving Equilibrium Constants 

15-6 Altering Equilibrium Conditions Le Chatelier s Principle 15-7 Equilibrium Calculations Some Illustrative Examples 

A vital natural reaction is in progress in the lightning bolt seen here  

2 Discuss the relationships Involving the reaction quotient (0), the activities (a) of the reacting species, and the equilibrium constant (K). 

3 Identify the changes to the equilibrium constant, K, when a chemical reaction is reversed or when the coefficients are multiplied or divided by a common factor. 

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Some chemical reactions are reversible and, no matter how fast a reaction takes place, it cannot proceed beyond the point of chemical equilibrium in the reaction mixture at the specified temperature and pressure. Thus, for any given conditions, the principle of chemical equilibrium expressed as the equilibrium constant, K, determines how far the reaction can proceed if adequate time is allowed for equilibrium to be attained. Alternatively, the principle of chemical kinetics determines at what rate the reaction will proceed towards attaining the maximum. If the equilibrium constant K is very large, for all practical purposes the reaction is irreversible. In the case where a reaction is irreversible, it is unnecessary to calculate the equilibrium constant and check the position of equilibrium when high conversions are needed. 

Denbigh, K., The Principles of Chemical Equilibrium, 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press, 1971. 

Denbigh, K., The Principles of Chemical Equilibrium, Cambridge University Press (1971) Avery, H. E. and Shaw, D. J., Basic Physical Chemistry Calculations, Butterworths (1971) Gross, J. M. and Wiseall, B., Principles of Physical Chemistry, Macdonald and Evans (1972) Kubaschewski, O., Evans, E. LI. and Alcock, C. B., Metallurgical Thermochemistry, 4th edition, Pergamon Press (1967)... 

The process used to make this chemical applies many of the principles of chemical equilibrium, discussed in this chapter, and chemical kinetics (Chapter 11). 

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