Skip to main content
Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions
Chapter 3, Problem 47

The following pictures represent equilibrium mixtures at 325 K and 350 K for a reaction involving A atoms (red), B atoms (blue), and AB molecules. (a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs on raising the temperature.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium occurs when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products. In this state, the system is dynamic, meaning that reactions continue to occur, but there is no net change in the concentrations. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how changes in conditions, such as temperature, affect the position of equilibrium.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:21
Chemical Equilibrium Concepts

Le Chatelier's Principle

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the system will adjust to counteract the change and restore a new equilibrium. For example, increasing the temperature of an exothermic reaction will shift the equilibrium position to favor the endothermic direction, thus affecting the concentrations of reactants and products. This principle is essential for predicting the effects of temperature changes on chemical reactions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
07:32
Le Chatelier's Principle

Balanced Chemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. Balancing equations is crucial for understanding the stoichiometry of reactions, which informs how reactants convert to products. In the context of the question, writing a balanced equation for the reaction at different temperatures requires knowledge of the reactants and products involved.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:32
Balancing Chemical Equations