Unit 15: Chemical Equilibrium: How far does a reaction go?
Reading
BJU Chemistry: Ch. 15 "Chemical Equilibrium"
Zumdahl Chemistry: Ch. 13 "Chemical Equilibrium"
Topics
Labs
BJU Chemistry: Ch. 15 "Chemical Equilibrium"
Zumdahl Chemistry: Ch. 13 "Chemical Equilibrium"
Topics
- Dynamic equilibrium
- Equilibrium constant 'K'
- LeChatelier's Principle
- Solubility
Labs
- Nitrocellulose lab
- "Reactions and Rates" PhET weblab
- "Reversible Reactions" PhET weblab
Video shows a good example of "chemical equilibrium"

15._chemical_equilibrium_lecture_notes__2020_.docx |
Lecture outline
What is meant by "chemical equilibrium"?
- Equilibrium concepts, reversible reactions, equilibrium graphs
- The equilibrium equation with equilibrium constant, 'K'
- How to treat solids and solvents in the equilibrium equation
- Le Chatelier's Principle.
- How equilibrium is effected by temperature, pressure, concentration, catalysts
- Industrial applications: ionization-dissociation, solubility, precipitation reactions
What is meant by "chemical equilibrium"?
- Thermodynamics answers the question, "Will a reaction occur?" (Units 12 & 13)
- Kinetics answers the question, "How fast will a reaction go?" (Unit 14)
- Chemical equilibrium answers the question, "How far will a reaction proceed before it stops?" This is an extremely important topic in biochemistry and industrial chemistry.
(optional) Polymers lab, part 1
Chemical Equilibrium homework questions
This assignment is now hosted in Canvas in multiple-choice format. Please respond to the questions there, and use the video below for help.
- We will start with the nitrocellulose we made last time, and turn it into a plastic (a polymer)!
- Historically, nitrocellulose was the first plastic! It was used to make billiard balls, hair combs, Kodak film, and as a coating for early airplane wings!
- It has a very interesting history (which we will discuss briefly).
Chemical Equilibrium homework questions
This assignment is now hosted in Canvas in multiple-choice format. Please respond to the questions there, and use the video below for help.
AP Chem: Chemical Equilibrium questions
AP students only
AP students only

_ap_chem_-_chemical_equilibrium_questions.docx |