Measuring Gas Production and Reversible Reactions
This page covers an alternative method for measuring reaction rates by collecting gas, and introduces the concept of reversible reactions and equilibrium.
The gas collection method involves:
- Reacting hydrochloric acid with magnesium
- Collecting the produced hydrogen gas
- Measuring the volume of gas produced at regular intervals
Highlight: This method provides a more objective measure of reaction rate compared to the disappearing cross experiment.
The page then introduces reversible reactions:
Definition: A reversible reaction is one where the products can react to form the reactants.
Key points about reversible reactions include:
- If a reaction is endothermic in one direction, it's exothermic in the other.
- Equilibrium is reached when forward and backward reactions occur at the same rate.
- Dynamic equilibrium occurs when both reactions happen at the same rate with no overall effect.
The page explains that equilibrium can't be reached in an open system because energy can escape. It also introduces the concepts of equilibrium lying to the left (more reactants) or right (more products).
Vocabulary: Le Chatelier's Principle is introduced as the idea that if conditions of a reversible reaction at equilibrium change, the system will try to counteract that change.
This principle is crucial for understanding reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium GCSE notes questions.