Physical Chemistry #20: Chemical Equilibria & Le Chatelier's Principle (Slides & Student Led Tasks)

In this lesson we discuss the concept of reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s principle and how Le Chatelier’s principle is linked to temperature, concentration and pressure. This is lesson twenty in our physical chemistry series for Unit 7: Equilibria (from the Cambridge International AS Chemistry Curriculum (9701) 2019-2021 curriculum).

LESSON OBJECTIVE: Understand the concepts of a reversible reaction and dynamic equilibrium and how they apply to Le Chatelier’s principle in different contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (taken from the Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry (9701) 2019-2021 curriculum):
7.1 Chemical equilibria: reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium
a) explain, in terms of rates of the forward and reverse reactions, what is meant by a reversible reaction and dynamic equilibrium

b) state Le Chatelier’s principle and apply it to deduce qualitatively (from appropriate information) the effects of changes in temperature, concentration or pressure on a system at equilibrium

c) state whether changes in temperature, concentration or pressure or the presence of a catalyst affect the value of the equilibrium constant for a reaction.