Equilibrium the ultimate conversion

  • Thread starter Thread starter member 392791
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Equilibrium
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of chemical equilibrium and its relationship to product conversion in reactions. It highlights that maximum conversion occurs at equilibrium, as described by Le Chatelier's principle, which states that a system at equilibrium will adjust to counteract changes and establish a new equilibrium. The conversation raises questions about the possibility of exceeding equilibrium and achieving higher conversion rates temporarily, but emphasizes that any such changes would ultimately lead back to a new equilibrium state. Additionally, the discussion touches on the implications of exothermic reactions and the potential conflict with the first law of thermodynamics if resistance to change were absent, suggesting that consistent resistance is essential for maintaining equilibrium and adhering to thermodynamic principles.
member 392791
Hello,

I am wondering conceptually why the maximum conversion of products is made at chemical equilibrium? I was thinking if you use le chatelier to push towards products, the conversion will be higher.

Sorry if this sounds too vague, my prof's lecture was called "Equilibrium: The ultimate conversion''
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Le Chatelier reaches a new equilibrium ... so the result still holds.
 
Didn't think about that, thank you. But can't you be past equilibrium, and during that time beyond equilibrium, the conversion is higher?
 
But what happens under le Chatelier? The principle is clear: their is a resistance to the change, and this resistance results in a new equilibrium.

Consider an exothermic reaction - there is a certain amount of heat given off. But if we add just a bit more of something and there was no resistance (i.e., le Chatelier fails!) then you would obtain more heat ... and add a bit more, and you get more heat ... seems like it cheats on the first law of thermodynamics!
 

Similar threads

Arrhenius vs. Le Chatelier battle
Replies
1
Views
2K
Equilibrium conversion of batch vs. flow reactor
Replies
4
Views
8K
Reverse reactions and Le Chateliers principle
Replies
3
Views
2K
Equilibrium: Le Chatelier's Principle and CaCO3 Decomposition
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the true meaning of chemical activity in solutions?
Replies
6
Views
9K
Solubility of tartaric acid/sodium tartrate in high vs low pH
Replies
5
Views
3K
I The Equilibrium Macrostate: Reif's Statistical Physics
Replies
15
Views
1K
A relation to Le-chatelier's principle?
Replies
2
Views
2K
A Pandora's Box: Carbon-14 vicious cycle from transmutation
Replies
1
Views
3K
Is My Understanding of Spring Energy Conversions Accurate?
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top