Which of the following statements is a false statement concerning characteristics of chemical equilibrium?
a. Equilibrium is dynamic.
b. For a specific reaction at a specific temperature, the equilibrium state will be dependent of the direction of approach to equilibrium.
c. Catalysts do not affect equilibrium concentrations.
d. Whether you start with reactants or products, the same equilibrium state is achieved, as long as the number of atoms of erach type, the volume of the container, and the temperature remain the same.
b is not true.
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To determine which of the statements is false concerning characteristics of chemical equilibrium, we need to analyze each statement individually.
a. Equilibrium is dynamic: This statement is true. In a chemical equilibrium, the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, resulting in a dynamic state where the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time.
b. For a specific reaction at a specific temperature, the equilibrium state will be dependent on the direction of approach to equilibrium: This statement is true. The equilibrium position and concentrations of reactants and products are independent of the direction from which equilibrium is approached. The final equilibrium state is solely determined by the temperature and the equilibrium constant for that particular reaction.
c. Catalysts do not affect equilibrium concentrations: This statement is false. Catalysts do not affect the position of equilibrium but they do increase the rate at which equilibrium is achieved by lowering the activation energy for both the forward and reverse reactions. As a result, a catalyst can increase the concentrations of both reactants and products at equilibrium.
d. Whether you start with reactants or products, the same equilibrium state is achieved, as long as the number of atoms of each type, the volume of the container, and the temperature remain the same: This statement is true. The equilibrium state depends only on temperature, the initial concentrations of reactants and products, the stoichiometry (number of atoms) of the balanced chemical equation, and the volume of the container. As long as these factors remain constant, the equilibrium state will be the same, regardless of whether you start with reactants or products.
Therefore, the false statement concerning characteristics of chemical equilibrium is statement c. Catalysts do affect equilibrium concentrations.