Equilibrium Calculator
Calculate chemical equilibrium constants, reaction quotients, and equilibrium concentrations. Analyze shifts in equilibria according to Le Chatelier's principle.
About Equilibrium Calculator
Historical Development
Chemical equilibrium was first conceptualized by Claude Louis Berthollet around 1803 after observing salt formations at Lake Natron. The mathematical foundation was later established by Cato Maximilian Guldberg and Peter Waage in 1864 through their law of mass action, revolutionizing our understanding of reversible reactions.
Mathematical Foundation
For reaction: aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD
Keq = [C]ᶜ[D]ᵈ / [A]ᵃ[B]ᵇ
ΔG° = -RT ln(Keq)
ln(K₂/K₁) = -(ΔH°/R)(1/T₂ - 1/T₁)
- Keq = Equilibrium constant
- [ ] = Concentration in mol/L
- a,b,c,d = Stoichiometric coefficients
- ΔG° = Standard Gibbs energy
- ΔH° = Standard enthalpy change
Types of Equilibria
Homogeneous Equilibria:
- All species in same phase
- Gas phase reactions
- Solution reactions
- Kc notation used
Heterogeneous Equilibria:
- Multiple phases present
- Solids excluded from Keq
- Phase boundaries important
- Surface area effects
Le Châtelier's Principle
Concentration Changes:
- Adding reactant shifts right
- Adding product shifts left
- Removal shifts to compensate
- Keq remains constant
Physical Changes:
- Temperature affects Keq
- Pressure affects gas equilibria
- Volume changes shift position
- Catalyst speeds equilibration
Applications
Industrial Processes:
- Haber process (NH₃)
- Contact process (H₂SO₄)
- Ostwald process (HNO₃)
- Yield optimization
Biological Systems:
- Buffer solutions
- Oxygen transport
- Enzyme reactions
- Membrane potentials
Practical Considerations
Reaction Control:
- Temperature optimization
- Pressure adjustment
- Concentration control
- Catalyst selection
Analysis Methods:
- Spectroscopy
- pH measurements
- Conductivity
- Pressure monitoring
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