Equilibrium Position: How Water Affects System

In summary, adding water to a system with Co^2+(aq.) and 4cl^-1(aq.) will decrease the concentration and make Q lower than the K value, favoring the forward reaction. This is because the more diluted the solution, the more dissociated the complex is. The rate of the forward reaction decreases more than the rate of the backward reaction, causing the reaction to move backwards. According to Ostwald's law, the degree of dissociation increases with increasing dilution.
  • #1
nicolauslamsiu
16
0
I want to ask how will the equilibrium position of the system change if water is added to the system?
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  • #2
Co^2+(aq.) + 4cl^-1(aq.) =cocl4^2-(aq.)
 
  • #3
The concentration will decrease because the volume will increase. This will make Q lower than the K value so the forward reaction should be favored(shifts right)
 
  • #4
Will the value of Q become smaller the K if the concentration is lower?
 
  • #5
*become greater
 
  • #6
Can you rephrase your question, I'm not sure I understand.
 
  • #7
AlphaEmission said:
The concentration will decrease because the volume will increase. This will make Q lower than the K value so the forward reaction should be favored(shifts right)

Quite the opposite, the more diluted the solution, the more dissociated the complex is.
 
  • #8
By adding water the rate of the forward reaction decreases X to the power 2 times while the rate of the backward reaction will decrease only X times so the reaction moves backwards
 
  • #9
Pretend the Keq is 1, and all species' molarity is 1 at the equilibrium. Now do the dilution recalculate Q based on the new concentrations. Compare Q with Keq and reason it out.
 
  • #10
And according to Ostwald's law : degree of dissociation increases by increasing dilution
 

What is the equilibrium position?

The equilibrium position refers to the point at which the forward and reverse reactions of a chemical system occur at equal rates, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products.

How does water affect equilibrium position?

Water can affect equilibrium position by acting as a reactant or product in the chemical reaction, changing the concentrations of other species in the system, or by altering the reaction rate through changes in temperature or pressure.

What is the role of pH in determining equilibrium position?

The pH of a solution can influence the equilibrium position by affecting the ionization of weak acids and bases, which can shift the equilibrium towards the reactants or products. Changes in pH can also impact the solubility of different compounds, which can alter the equilibrium position.

How does Le Chatelier's principle apply to equilibrium position?

Le Chatelier's principle states that a system at equilibrium will respond to changes in temperature, pressure, or concentration by shifting the equilibrium position in the direction that counteracts the change. This principle is often used to predict and explain how changes in water concentration can affect the equilibrium position of a chemical system.

What factors can affect the equilibrium position of a system?

Several factors can impact the equilibrium position of a system, including temperature, pressure, concentration of reactants and products, the presence of catalysts, and the nature of the chemical reactions occurring. Additionally, the physical and chemical properties of the solvent, such as water, can also influence the equilibrium position.

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