Balancing Act: Temperature, Pressure, and Equilibrium
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson, you will understand how temperature and pressure affect chemical equilibrium and be able to apply this knowledge to real-world examples.
Lesson duration is: 55 minItems in this lesson
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson, you will understand how temperature and pressure affect chemical equilibrium and be able to apply this knowledge to real-world examples.
What do you already know about how temperature and pressure affect chemical reactions?
What is Chemical Equilibrium?
Chemical equilibrium occurs when the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, with no net change in the concentration of reactants and products.
Le Chatelier's Principle
Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it will shift to counteract the disturbance and restore equilibrium.
Temperature's Effect on Equilibrium
Increasing temperature favours the endothermic direction, while decreasing temperature favours the exothermic direction of a reversible reaction.
Pressure's Effect on Equilibrium
Increasing pressure favours the side with fewer gas molecules, while decreasing pressure favours the side with more gas molecules.
Interactive: Temperature Change
In pairs, predict the effect of increasing temperature on the equilibrium: N2 + 3H2 ⇌ 2NH3 (exothermic).
Interactive: Pressure Change
In pairs, predict the effect of increasing pressure on the equilibrium: 2NO2 ⇌ N2O4.
Example: Industrial Application
The Haber process for ammonia production uses increased pressure and temperature to maximise yield.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
What happens to the equilibrium when temperature increases in an endothermic reaction? Choose: shifts right/left/no change.
Summary and Questions
Temperature and pressure changes can shift equilibrium. Understanding these effects helps in predicting and controlling reactions.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
