Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can state the direction of net change when the forward rate is greater than, less than or equal to the reverse rate. (Guide: “Two rates, one net direction”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why the faster direction slows down and the slower direction speeds up as a reaction approaches equilibrium. (Guide: “How the rates change on the way to equilibrium”; Practice Q6(b))
- I can describe the two rates at the start of a reaction that begins with only reactants or only products. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q2)
- I can explain why the net direction depends on concentrations, not only on the rate constants. (Guide: Worked example 1; Common misconceptions)
Calculation
- I can write the forward and reverse rate laws for an elementary reversible step, including a squared term from a coefficient of 2. (Guide: “Calculating the two rates for an elementary step”; Practice Q3)
- I can calculate both rates and the net rate for a given mixture, and state the direction with its sign. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q4, Q6(d))
- I can find the equilibrium concentrations of a simple A ⇌ B reaction by setting the two rates equal. (Practice Q4(c), Q7(c))
Reasoning
- I can use a series of particle snapshots to decide the direction of net change and when equilibrium is reached. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q5)
- I can describe what a particle snapshot model shows well and at least one thing it cannot show. (Guide: Worked example 2(d); Practice Q5(d))
- I can use a table or graph of forward and reverse rates to find when equilibrium is reached. (Practice Q6)
- I can explain, in terms of rates, what happens when extra product is added to a system at equilibrium. (Guide: “Preview”; Practice Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 7.3, Reaction Quotient and Equilibrium Constant, or return to the course roadmap.