Question

Define homogeneous equilibrium and heterogeneous equilibrium. Give two examples of each.

Short answer

A homogeneous equilibrium is a state of balance in a chemical reaction where all reacting species are present in the same phase, as seen in example reactions \(N_2(g) + 3H_2(g) \rightarrow 2NH_3(g)\) and \(H_2O(l) \leftrightharpoons H^+(aq) + OH^−(aq)\). Conversely, a heterogeneous equilibrium is achieved when the reacting species exist in more than one phase, like in the reactions \(C(s) + CO_2(g) \rightarrow 2CO(g)\) and \(CaCO_3(s) \leftrightharpoons CaO(s) + CO_2(g)\).

Step-by-step solution

Define homogeneous equilibrium

A homogeneous equilibrium refers to a state of balance in a reaction where all reacting species are present in the same phase. This means that all substances, be it gases, liquids, or solids, exist in the same physical state.

Provide examples for homogeneous equilibrium

Example 1: \(N_2(g) + 3H_2(g) \rightarrow 2NH_3(g)\). All constituents are in the gaseous phase. Example 2: \(H_2O(l) \leftrightharpoons H^+(aq) + OH^−(aq)\). All constituents are dissolved in solution, thus considered the same phase.

Define heterogeneous equilibrium

A heterogeneous equilibrium refers to a state of balance in a reaction where the reacting species are present in more than one phase. The reacting species could be a combination of gases, liquids, solids, or even a substance dissolved in a solution.

Provide examples for heterogeneous equilibrium

Example 1: \(C(s) + CO_2(g) \rightarrow 2CO(g)\). The reactants and products are in both solid and gaseous phases.Example 2: \(CaCO_3(s) \leftrightharpoons CaO(s) + CO_2(g)\). The reactants and products are in both solid and gaseous phases.