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General Chemistry 2 – Grade 12

STEM Learning Activity Sheets
Quarter 3 – Week 5: Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s Principle

First Edition, 2021

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Development Team of Learner’s Activity Sheets

Writer Pamela Lou C. Suazo

Editors: Kevin Hope Salvaña

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 WEEKLY LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS
General Chemistry 2 Quarter 4 Week 5B

Chemical Equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s Principle

Name: ___________________________________________ Section: ____________________

Most Essential Learning Competencies

1. Explain chemical equilibrium in terms of the reaction rates of the forward and the reverse
reaction. STEM_GC11CEIVb-e-145
2. Calculate equilibrium constant and the pressure or concentration of reactants or products
in an equilibrium mixture. STEM_GC11CEIVb-e-148
3. State the Le Chatelier’s principle and apply it qualitatively to describe the effect of changes
in pressure, concentration and temperature on a system at equilibrium.
STEM_GC11CEIVb-e-149

Time allotment: 5 hours

Learning Objectives: The learners will be able to:

1. write equilibrium constant expression for a given balanced chemical equation for
homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria;
2. solve problems involving equilibrium constant; and
3. predict the effects of change in concentration, pressure and temperature on a system in
equilibrium.

Key Concepts

• Chemical Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium is a state of which the concentrations of the reactant and

product remain constant over time. Only reversible reactions attain equilibrium.

Decomposition of colorless dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) gas into brown nitrogen

dioxide gas is an example of a reversible reaction.
N2O4 (g) ⇋ 2NO2 (g)

When pure N2O4 gas is placed initially in a glass container at room temperature, a
brown color will be observed indicating the formation of NO2. The change in color intensifies
as more N2O4 is converted to NO2. Beyond that point, no further change in color is observed
because the concentrations of N2O4 and NO2 remain constant. When this happens, the
system has already reached equilibrium, a condition at which the rate of formation of N2O4
from NO2 is equal to the rate of the decomposition of N2O4 to NO2.

Similarly, if we placed NO2 initially in a glass container, the brown color of NO2 will
get lighter indicating the formation of N2O4. When this happens, the system has reached
the state of equilibrium when there is no observable change in color. Thus, equilibrium
exists in both cases.

Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo

School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
2
 In the case of reversible reaction, when forward reaction proceeds, more products
are formed. Conversely, when reverse reaction proceeds, more reactants are present. As the
reaction proceeds, the rate of the forward reaction decreases as time passes because the
concentration of reactants decreases. At the same time, the rate of the reverse reaction
increases as more products are formed. The system will eventually reach a point where the
rate of the forward reaction becomes equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. At this point,
the system is said to have reached a state of dynamic equilibrium. Hence, reaction does not
go to completion.

• Law of Mass Action and Equilibrium Constant Expression

At equilibrium, no apparent change in the state of the system is observed. This is

because when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions become equal, the
concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant over time. This principle is
known as the Law of Mass Action.

Consider the general reversible reaction below:

aA + bB ⇋ cC + dD

where A, B, C and D represent chemical species while a, b, c and d are their coefficients in
the balanced equation. The law of mass action is represented by the following equilibrium
expression:

[C]c [D]d
K =
[A]a [B]b
The square brackets indicate molar concentrations of chemical species at equilibrium while
K represents the equilibrium constant. The value of the equilibrium constant at a given
temperature can be calculated if we know the equilibrium concentrations of the reaction
components. If the value of K is greater than 1 (K>1), the equilibrium will lie to right and
favors the product. Conversely, if the value of K is less than 1 (K<1), the equilibrium will lie
to the left and favors the reactant.

• Homogeneous Equilibria

In a homogeneous equilibrium, the reactants and products are in the same phase.

Sample Problem. Write the equilibrium constant expression for the following reactions:

1. CO (g) + H2O (g) ⇋ CO2 (g) + H2 (g)

2. N2 (g) + 2 O2 (g) ⇋ N2O (g)

Answer:
[CO2 ][H2 ]
1. K = [CO][H2 O]
[N2 O]
2. K =
[N2 ][𝑂2 ]2

Equilibrium constants for homogeneous gaseous equilibria may also be expressed in

terms of partial pressures. To differentiate the two equilibrium constant, the symbol Kc and
Kp are used instead of K. The symbol Kc is based from the molar concentrations while Kp is
based from partial pressures. The expression is written in much the same way as described,
only that the partial pressure is raised to the coefficient instead of the molar concentration.

Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo

School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
3
 Sample Problem. Write the Kp for the reaction:
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) ⇋ 2 NH3 (g)
Answer:
(PNH 3 )2
Kp=
(PN2 ) (PH )3
2

Kc and Kp are related in the equation

Kp = Kc(RT)∆n

where R is the universal constant (0.0821 L ∙ atm/mol ∙ K), T is the absolute temperature
expressed in K, and ∆n is the difference between the number of moles of gaseous products
and that of gaseous reactants.

• Heterogeneous Equilibria

A heterogeneous equilibrium consists of reactants and products that exist in different

phases. In a heterogeneous equilibrium, pure solid and liquid are not included in the
equilibrium constant expression. The molar concentrations of these substances are always
constant.

Sample Problem. Write the Kc for the reaction:

CaCO3 (s) ⇋ CaO (s) + CO2 (g)

Answer: Kc = [CO2 ]

• Converting Kp to Kc

Sample Problem 1. Find Kc for the decomposition reaction of ammonium hydrosulfide to

ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gases.

NH4SH(s) ⇋ NH3 (g) + H2S (g) Kp = 0.19 (at 218°C)

Given:
Kp = 0.19
Temperature = 218+273=491 K
R = 0.0821
∆n = 2 moles of gaseous product –
0 mole of gaseous reactant
= 2

Solution:
Kp = Kc(RT)∆n

Kp
Rearranging the equation : Kc = (RT)∆n

Kp
Kc =
(RT)∆n
0.19
Kc =
(0.0821)(491 )2

Kc = 1.2 x 10-4
Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo
School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
4
• Calculating Equilibrium Constant when equilibrium concentrations/partial pressures
are known

Sample Problem 2. The following equilibrium concentrations were observed for the Haber
process for synthesis of ammonia at 127°C:
N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) ⇋ 2NH3 (g)

[NH3] = 3.1 X 10-2 mol/L

[N2] = 8.5 X 10-1 mol/L
[H2] = 3.1 X 10-3 mol/L

[NH3 ]2
Solution: K =
[N2 ][H2 ]3
(3.1 x 10-2 )2
=
(8.5 x 10-1 )(3.1 x 10-3 )3
K = 3.8 x 10-4
Sample Problem 3. The reaction for the formation of nitrosyl chloride gas
2NO (g) + Cl2 (g) ⇋ 2NOCl (g)
studied at 25°C. The pressures at equilibrium were found to be

PNOCl = 1.2 atm

PNO = 5.0 X 10-2 atm
PCl2 = 3.0 X 10-1 atm

Calculate the value of Kp for this reaction at 25°C.

(PNOCl )2
Solution: Kp =
(PNO )2 (PCl 2 )

(1.2)2
Kp =
(5.0 x 10-2 )2 (3.0 x 10-1 )

Kp = 1.9 x 103

• Calculating K from initial equilibrium concentrations/partial pressures

Sample Problem 4. A closed system initially containing 1.000 x 10–3 M H2 and
2.000 x 10–3 M I2 at 448°C is allowed to reach equilibrium. Analysis of the equilibrium
mixture shows that the concentration of HI is 1.870 x 10–3 M. Calculate K at 448°C for the
reaction taking place which is H2(g) + I2(g) ⇌ 2HI(g)
Given. balanced chemical equation: H2(g) + I2(g) ⇌ 2HI(g)
Initial concentrations: 1.000 x 10–3 M H2 and 2.000 x 10–3 M I2
equilibrium concentration: 1.870 x 10–3 M HI

Strategy: Using the ICE table, tabulate the given initial and equilibrium concentration.
Denote the changes in concentration using a variable as guided by
stoichiometric coefficients in the balanced chemical equation. Solve for the

Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo

School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
5
 unknown to calculate for the equilibrium concentrations of H2 and I2 and then
solve for K.

Solution: Let x = amount of H2 that changes to attain equilibrium

ICE Table

H2(g) + I2(g) ⇌ 2HI(g)

Initial 1.000 x 10–3 M 2.000 x 10–3
M 0
Change -x -x + 2x
Equilibrium 1.000 x 10–3
M-x 2.000 x 10–3 M - x 1.870 x 10–3 M

[HI]eq = 2x = 1.870 x 10–3 M

1.870 x 10-3 M
x =
2
x = 9.350 x 10-4 M

[H2]eq = 1.000 x 10–3 M - x

= 1.000 x 10–3 M - 9.350 x 10-4 M
= 6.500 x 10-5 M

[I2]eq = 2.000 x 10–3 M - x

= 2.000 x 10–3 M - 9.350 x 10-4 M
= 1.065 x 10-3 M
[HI]2
Answer: K =
[H2 ][I2 ]
2
[1.870 x 10-3 M]
K =
[6.500 x 10-5 M][1.065 x 10-3 M]
K = 50.5

• Calculating equilibrium concentrations/ partial pressures from initial concentrations/

partial pressures and K values

Sample Problem 5. For the equilibrium Br2(g) + Cl2(g) ⇌ 2BrCl(g), the equilibrium constant
K is 7.00 at 400 K. If a cylinder is charged with BrCl (g) at an initial pressure of 1.00 atm
and the system is allowed to come to equilibrium, what is the equilibrium partial pressure
of BrCl?

Solution: Let x = amount of BrCl that changes to attain equilibrium.

ICE Table
Br2(g) + Cl2(g) ⇌ 2BrCl(g)
Initial 0 0 1.00 atm
Change +x +x - 2x
Equilibrium x x 1.00 atm - 2x

[PBrCl ]2
K =
[PBr2 ][PCl2 ]
[1.00 - 2x]2
7.00 =
[x][x]
Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo
School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
6
 1.00 atm-2x
√7.00 = √
x2
1.00-2x
2.65 =
x
2.65x = 1.00 – 2x
4.65x = 1.00
1.00
x =
4.65
x = 0.215
Answer:
(PBrCl)eq = 1.00 atm – 2x
(PBrCl)eq = 1.00 atm – 2 (0.215 atm)
(PBrCl)eq = 0.570 atm

• Le Chatelier’s Principle
We can qualitatively predict the effects of changes in concentration, pressure, and
temperature on a system at equilibrium by using Le Chatelier’s principle, which states when
stress is introduced into a system in equilibrium, the system will shift in order to relieve the
stress and regain equilibrium.

Change in Concentration

When the concentration of either a reactant or a product is increased, the equilibrium shifts
into the direction that would consume that added component. If the concentration is
decreased, then the equilibrium shifts into the direction that replenishes the lost
component.

Action Shift in Equilibrium

Adding more reactants Favors the forward reaction
Adding more products Favors the reverse reaction
Removing a reactant Favors the reverse reaction
Removing a product Favors the forward reaction

Figure 1. Lever-and-fulcrum analogy of equilibrium shift with

(a) addition or (b) removal of a reactant

Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo

School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
7
 Source: Adapted from Bayquen & Peña, General Chemistry 2, 137, Fig. 6-1.

Change in Temperature
When the temperature is increased, the reaction which consumes the applied heat
is favored i.e. the reaction which is endothermic. When the temperature is decreased, the
reaction which produces heat is favored i.e. the reaction which is exothermic.
Another way of interpreting the results is to treat heat as either a reactant or product.
When heat is added, equilibrium shifts to the reaction that consumes it. The same
generalization on the effect of changes in concentration is applied.

Change in Pressure (or Volume)

Changes in pressure due to changes in the volume of the container affect chemical
equilibrium. When the pressure is increased by decreasing the volume of the container,
the system adjusts by reducing the total pressure exerted by the gas particles present. The
equilibrium shifts toward the formation of a lesser number of gas particles.

Addition of a Catalyst
Catalyst can speed up the rate of a chemical reaction but they cannot affect the
system in equilibrium. If the catalyst can increase the rate of the forward reaction, it can
also increase the rate of the reverse reaction. Therefore, the catalyst only shortens the time
it takes to reach equilibrium but it has no effect on the equilibrium position.

Sample Problem. The Haber process for the synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and
hydrogen gas is an exothermic process.
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) ⇋ 2 NH3 (g) ∆Hrxn = -92.4 kJ

What will be the effect of the following condition on the equilibrium of the system?
A. Adding more H2
B. Removing N2
C. Removing NH3
D. Increasing the pressure in the reaction vessel
E. Decreasing the temperature of the system

Solution:
A. Adding H2 will favor the forward reaction.
B. Removing N2 will favor the reverse reaction.
C. Removing NH3 will favor the forward reaction.
D. Four moles of gas will produce two moles of NH3. An increase in pressure will shift
towards lesser number of gas particles. Thus, it will favor the formation of NH3.
E. The production of NH3 is an exothermic process, it will favor the forward reaction.

Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo

School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
8
Activity 1. Write the Expression.
Learning Objectives: Write equilibrium constant expression for a given balanced chemical
equation for homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria.
What you need: pen and paper
What to do: Identify if the equilibrium is homogeneous or heterogeneous. Write both Kc and Kp for
each reversible reaction.

Homogeneous/
Reversible Reaction Kc Kp
Heterogeneous

1) 2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) ⇋ 2 SO3 (g)

2) 2NH3 (g) + H2SO4 (l) ⇋ (NH4)2SO4 (s)

3) S (s) + H2SO3 (aq) ⇋ H2S2O3 (aq)

4) CH4 (g) + 2H2S (g) ⇋ CS2 (g) + 4H2 (g)

5) C (s) + 2H2 (g) ⇋ CH4 (g)

Activity 2. Solve Me!

Learning Objectives: Solve problems involving equilibrium constant.

What you need: Pen, paper and calculator.
What to do: Solve the following problems. Write your solutions in a separate sheet of paper.

1. Calculate Kp for the following reaction:

PCl3 (g) + Cl2 (g) ⇋ PCl5 (g) Kc = 1.67 at 500 K

2. At a particular temperature, a 3.0-L flask contains 2.4 moles of Cl2, 1.0 mole of NOCl, and
4.5 x 10-3 mole of NO. Calculate K at this temperature for the following reaction:
2 NOCl (g) ⇋ 2NO (g) + Cl2 (g)

3. The following equilibrium pressures at a certain temperature were observed for the reaction
2 NO2 (g) ⇋ 2NO (g) + O2 (g)

PNO2 = 0.55 atm

PNO = 6.5 x 10-5 atm
PO2 = 4.5 x 10-5 atm
Calculate the value for the equilibrium constant Kp at this temperature.

4. The atmospheric oxidation of nitrogen monoxide, 2 NO (g) + O2 (g) ⇋ 2NO2 (g), was studied
at 184°C with initial pressures of 1.00 atm of NO and 1.000 atm of O2. At equilibrium
PO2 = 0.56 atm. Calculate Kp.

Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo

School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
9
5. To study the reaction between ammonia and oxygen, 4 NH3 (g) + 7 O2 (g) ⇋ 2N2O4 (g) + 6
H2O(g) a flask was filled with 2.40 M NH3 and 2.40 M O2 at a particular temperature; the
reaction proceed, and at equilibrium [N2O4] = 0.134 M. Calculate Kc.

Activity 3. Predict!

Learning Objectives: Predict the effects of change in concentration, pressure and temperature on
a system in equilibrium.
What you need: Pen and paper.
What to do: Predict how will the following conditions affect the equilibrium of the system.
1. Consider the equilibrium

N2O4 (g) ⇋ 2NO2 (g) ∆H° = 58.0 kJ

in which direction will the equilibrium shift when:

A. N2O4 is added
B. NO2 is removed
C. the pressure is increased by addition of N2
D. the volume is increased
E. temperature is decreased

2. For the reaction

PCl5 (g) ⇋ PCl3 (g) + Cl2 (g) ∆H° = 87.9 kJ

in which direction will the equilibrium shift when

A. Cl2 (g) is removed
B. temperature is decreased
C. the volume of the reaction system is increased
D. PCl3 (g) is added

Reflection

Oceans absorb large amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. This may sound like a good thing,
but it is not. Emissions from vehicles and industries contribute high amount of carbon dioxide in
the air causing the ocean to be more acidic. Marine organisms also contribute to the CO 2
concentration through respiration. Let’s analyze the chemical reaction below.

CO2(g) + H2O (l) ⇌ H2CO (aq)

More CO2 shifts the equilibrium towards producing more carbonic acid, H2CO. The low
temperature in the colder regions of the globe also favors the dissolution.

Ocean acidification is quite complex. Phytoplankton cannot survive the acidic condition.
Organisms that depend on plankton for food will also be affected. Acidification can also lead to
coral bleaching and destruction. Moreover, calcium carbonate which makes up shells of marine
organisms is soluble in acidic conditions.

Despite all these, note that the dissolution of CO2 in water is a reversible process. Thus,
reducing the amount of CO2 in the air should reverse and minimize its adverse effect.

With that in mind, what can you contribute as a SHS student to reduce the adverse
effects of too much CO2? Make a short essay. Your answer should consist of at most five (5)
sentences. Write your essay on a separate sheet of paper. Be guided with the following rubric:
Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo
School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
10
 Reflection Rubric

5 Practical application is scientifically explained consistent to the

concepts, and has no misconception.
4 Practical application is scientifically explained consistent to the
concept, but with minimal misconception.
3 Practical application is explained consistent to the concepts, but
with misconceptions.
2 Practical application is explained but not consistent to the
concepts.
0 No discussion provided.

References for learners

Bayquen, Aristea V., and Gardee T. Peña. 2016. General Chemistry 1. Quezon City: Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc.

Patalinghug, Wyona C., Vic Marie I. Camacho, Fortunato B. Sevilla III, and Maria Cristina D.
Singson. 2016. Teaching Guide for Senior High School General Chemistry 1. Quezon
City: Commission on Higher Education.

Silberberg, Martin S., and Amateis, Patricia. 2018. Chemistry: the Molecular Nature of Matter and
Change: Advanced Topics. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Whitten, K. 2007. Chemistry. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

Zumdahl, Steven S., and Susan A. Zumdahl. 2014. Chemistry. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole,
Cengage Learning.

Answer Key

5. 3.69 x 10-8
e. left
4. 1.3 x 10-4
d. right d. left
3. 6.3 x 10-13 c. no shift c. right
2. 1.7 x 10-5 b. right b. left
1. 4.07 x 10-2 2. a. right 1. a. right
Activity 2. Activity 3. Activity 3.

Author: Pamela Lou C. Suazo

School/Station: Unidad National High School
Division: Surigao del Sur Division
email address: [email protected]
11