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Understanding Chemical Equilibria

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Munsif Shameem

07/12/2025

Chemistry

Equilibria - Knowledge

149

7 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Chemical Equilibria

user profile picture

Munsif Shameem

@munsifshameem

Chemical equilibria might seem complex, but it's actually about understanding... Show more

Equilibria - Knowledge
What is a closed system?
• A container where none of the reactants and products can escape
▼ When is equlibrium reach

Understanding Chemical Equilibrium

Ever wondered why some reactions seem to stop halfway? In a closed system (where nothing can escape), reactions reach a fascinating balance point called equilibrium.

Equilibrium occurs when the forward and reverse reaction rates become equal. Think of it like a busy doorway where people enter and leave at exactly the same rate - the number inside stays constant, but there's still movement happening.

Here's what's brilliant: at equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant but aren't necessarily equal. One side might have much more than the other, but the amounts stop changing because the rates balance out.

Industries love this concept because they can manipulate equilibrium to favour their desired products and maximise profits. Catalysts are particularly useful - they speed up both forward and reverse reactions equally, helping you reach equilibrium faster without changing where that balance point sits.

Key Point: Catalysts increase the rate of reaching equilibrium but don't shift the equilibrium position itself.

Equilibria - Knowledge
What is a closed system?
• A container where none of the reactants and products can escape
▼ When is equlibrium reach

Shifting Equilibrium - The Big Three Factors

Want to control where your equilibrium sits? You've got three powerful tools: concentration, temperature, and pressure. Mastering these will make you unstoppable in equilibrium problems.

Concentration changes are straightforward. Add more reactant or remove product? The equilibrium shifts right to make more product. Add product or remove reactant? It shifts left. Think of it as the reaction trying to undo whatever you just did.

Temperature effects depend on whether your reaction is endothermic or exothermic. For endothermic reactions, increasing temperature shifts right (more product), whilst decreasing temperature shifts left. Exothermic reactions behave oppositely - higher temperature shifts left, lower temperature shifts right.

Pressure changes only matter when you have different numbers of gas molecules on each side. Increase pressure? The equilibrium shifts towards whichever side has fewer molecules. Decrease pressure? It shifts towards the side with more molecules.

Exam Tip: Remember that equilibrium always tries to counteract whatever change you make to the system - this is Le Chatelier's principle in action.



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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

149

7 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Chemical Equilibria

user profile picture

Munsif Shameem

@munsifshameem

Chemical equilibria might seem complex, but it's actually about understanding how reactions find their balance point. This knowledge is crucial for industries that need to maximise product yield and will definitely come up in your exams.

Equilibria - Knowledge
What is a closed system?
• A container where none of the reactants and products can escape
▼ When is equlibrium reach

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Understanding Chemical Equilibrium

Ever wondered why some reactions seem to stop halfway? In a closed system (where nothing can escape), reactions reach a fascinating balance point called equilibrium.

Equilibrium occurs when the forward and reverse reaction rates become equal. Think of it like a busy doorway where people enter and leave at exactly the same rate - the number inside stays constant, but there's still movement happening.

Here's what's brilliant: at equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant but aren't necessarily equal. One side might have much more than the other, but the amounts stop changing because the rates balance out.

Industries love this concept because they can manipulate equilibrium to favour their desired products and maximise profits. Catalysts are particularly useful - they speed up both forward and reverse reactions equally, helping you reach equilibrium faster without changing where that balance point sits.

Key Point: Catalysts increase the rate of reaching equilibrium but don't shift the equilibrium position itself.

Equilibria - Knowledge
What is a closed system?
• A container where none of the reactants and products can escape
▼ When is equlibrium reach

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Shifting Equilibrium - The Big Three Factors

Want to control where your equilibrium sits? You've got three powerful tools: concentration, temperature, and pressure. Mastering these will make you unstoppable in equilibrium problems.

Concentration changes are straightforward. Add more reactant or remove product? The equilibrium shifts right to make more product. Add product or remove reactant? It shifts left. Think of it as the reaction trying to undo whatever you just did.

Temperature effects depend on whether your reaction is endothermic or exothermic. For endothermic reactions, increasing temperature shifts right (more product), whilst decreasing temperature shifts left. Exothermic reactions behave oppositely - higher temperature shifts left, lower temperature shifts right.

Pressure changes only matter when you have different numbers of gas molecules on each side. Increase pressure? The equilibrium shifts towards whichever side has fewer molecules. Decrease pressure? It shifts towards the side with more molecules.

Exam Tip: Remember that equilibrium always tries to counteract whatever change you make to the system - this is Le Chatelier's principle in action.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user