LESSON NOTE: CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
COMPREHENSIVE LESSON NOTE
CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
Subject: Chemistry
Topic: Chemical Equilibrium
Class: Senior Secondary (SS2/SS3)
Duration: 6 Periods (40 minutes each)
SUB-TOPICS
i. Reversible and Irreversible Reactions
ii. Equilibrium in Reversible Reactions
iii. Equilibrium in Nature
iv. Le Chatelier’s Principle
v. Factors Affecting Equilibrium Position
vi. Expression and Calculation of Equilibrium Constant (Kc and Kp)
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Differentiate between reversible and irreversible reactions with examples.
2. Describe the conditions for attaining chemical equilibrium in reversible reactions.
3. Give examples of equilibrium in nature.
4. State and apply Le Chatelier’s principle to predict the effect of changes in conditions.
5. Explain the effects of concentration, temperature, pressure, and catalysts on equilibrium.
6. Write equilibrium constant expressions (Kc and Kp) and perform calculations.
BACKGROUND / PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
Students are expected to already have knowledge of:
• Chemical reactions – types, equations, and balancing
• Rates of chemical reactions and factors affecting reaction rates
• Exothermic and endothermic reactions (energy changes)
• Mole concept and stoichiometry
• Gas laws and behaviour of gases
• Saturated and unsaturated solutions
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
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LESSON NOTE: CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
• Whiteboard/chalkboard and markers/chalk
• Charts/diagrams showing reversible reaction profiles
• Lab apparatus: test tubes, Bunsen burner, cobalt(II) chloride paper
• Chemicals: CuSO₄.5H₂O, ammonium chloride, dilute acids
• Projector or printed handouts for equilibrium expressions
• Textbooks (e.g., New School Chemistry by Ababio), WAEC/NECO past questions
TEACHING STRATEGY / METHODOLOGY
Strategy Description
Discussion Teacher-led discussions to introduce concepts and probe prior
knowledge.
Demonstration Practical demonstrations of reversible reactions (e.g.,
heating/cooling CuSO₄.5H₂O).
Guided Practice Students work through equilibrium expression problems with
teacher support.
Think-Pair-Share Students predict equilibrium shifts using Le Chatelier’s principle in
pairs.
Problem Solving Worked examples and independent calculations of Kc and Kp.
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LESSON NOTE: CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM
LESSON CONTENT
SUB-TOPIC I: REVERSIBLE AND IRREVERSIBLE REACTIONS
Introduction (Set Induction)
Begin the lesson by asking students: “When you boil water, can you get the water back? What about
when you burn a piece of paper – can you get the paper back?” Use this to establish that some
changes can be reversed while others cannot, leading into the concept of reversible and irreversible
reactions.
A. Irreversible Reactions
An irreversible reaction proceeds in only one direction – from reactants to products – and goes to
completion. The products cannot easily be converted back to the original reactants under normal
conditions. A single arrow (→) is used.
Examples:
a) Burning of magnesium: 2Mg(s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO(s)
b) Decomposition of KClO₃: 2KClO₃(s) → 2KCl(s) + 3O₂(g)
c) Neutralization: NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)
B. Reversible Reactions
A reversible reaction can proceed in both the forward and backward directions under suitable
conditions. Both reactants and products are present at all times. A double-headed arrow (⇌) is used.
Examples:
a) Heating ammonium chloride: NH₄Cl(s) ⇌ NH₃(g) + HCl(g)
b) Hydration/dehydration of copper(II) sulphate: CuSO₄.5H₂O (blue) ⇌ CuSO₄ (white) + 5H₂O
c) Esterification: CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH ⇌ CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O
Comparison: Reversible vs Irreversible Reactions
Feature Reversible Irreversible
Direction Both forward and backward Only forward
Completion Does not go to completion Goes to completion
Symbol ⇌ (equilibrium arrow) → (single arrow)
Products Reactants and products coexist Only products remain
SUB-TOPIC II: EQUILIBRIUM IN REVERSIBLE REACTIONS
The Concept of Dynamic Equilibrium
When a reversible reaction occurs in a closed system, the forward reaction initially proceeds faster. As
products accumulate, the backward reaction rate increases. Eventually, both rates become equal. At
this point, the system is in dynamic equilibrium.
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Key features:
1. Forward and reverse reactions occur simultaneously and continuously.
2. The rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal.
3. Concentrations of reactants and products remain constant (but not necessarily equal).
4. It can only be achieved in a closed system.
5. The equilibrium is dynamic (molecular activity continues) even though macroscopic properties
appear unchanged.
SUB-TOPIC III: EQUILIBRIUM IN NATURE
Chemical equilibrium is observed in many natural systems:
• Saturated solutions: Rate of dissolution equals rate of crystallisation. The dissolved solute
amount remains constant.
• Evaporation and condensation: In a closed container, liquid evaporates and vapour
condenses at equal rates.
• CO₂ in atmosphere and oceans: CO₂ dissolves in ocean water and is released back,
maintaining a natural balance.
• Haemoglobin and oxygen: Hb(aq) + O₂(g) ⇌ HbO₂(aq). Oxygen binds in the lungs and is
released in tissues.
SUB-TOPIC IV: LE CHATELIER’S PRINCIPLE
Le Chatelier’s Principle (1884):
“If a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the
system will shift in the direction that tends to counteract the change and restore a new equilibrium.”
This principle is the central tool for predicting how equilibrium systems respond to external
disturbances. It applies to changes in concentration, pressure, and temperature, but NOT to catalysts.
SUB-TOPIC V: FACTORS AFFECTING EQUILIBRIUM POSITION
1. Effect of Concentration
Increasing the concentration of a reactant shifts equilibrium to the right (towards products). Increasing
the concentration of a product shifts equilibrium to the left (towards reactants). Removing a reactant or
product has the opposite effect.
Example: For N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g), adding more N₂ shifts equilibrium to the right, producing
more NH₃.
2. Effect of Temperature
Increasing temperature favours the endothermic direction. Decreasing temperature favours the
exothermic direction. Temperature is the ONLY factor that changes the value of Kc or Kp.
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Example: For N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ (ΔH = −92 kJ/mol, exothermic forward), increasing temperature shifts
equilibrium LEFT; decreasing temperature shifts it RIGHT.
3. Effect of Pressure (Gaseous Equilibria)
Increasing pressure shifts equilibrium towards the side with fewer moles of gas. Decreasing pressure
shifts equilibrium towards the side with more moles of gas. If moles of gas are equal on both sides,
pressure has no effect.
Example: For N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g): 4 moles on the left, 2 on the right. Increasing pressure shifts
equilibrium RIGHT.
4. Effect of Catalyst
A catalyst speeds up both forward and reverse reactions equally. It helps reach equilibrium faster but
does NOT change the equilibrium position or the value of Kc/Kp.
Summary Table: Factors Affecting Equilibrium
Factor Change Applied Equilibrium Shifts
Concentration Increase reactant To the right (products)
Increase product To the left (reactants)
Temperature Increase (exothermic fwd) To the left (endothermic)
Decrease (exothermic fwd) To the right (exothermic)
Pressure Increase Towards fewer moles of gas
Decrease Towards more moles of gas
Catalyst Added No shift (reaches equilibrium faster)
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SUB-TOPIC VI: EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT (Kc AND Kp)
A. Equilibrium Constant in Terms of Concentration (Kc)
For a general reaction: aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD
Kc = [C]c[D]d / [A]a[B]b
Where [ ] = molar concentration (mol/dm³) at equilibrium; powers = stoichiometric coefficients.
B. Equilibrium Constant in Terms of Partial Pressure (Kp)
For gaseous reactions:
Kp = (PC)c(PD)d / (PA)a(PB)b
Relationship: Kp = Kc(RT)Δn, where Δn = moles of gaseous products − moles of gaseous reactants.
C. Significance of Kc
• Kc >> 1: Products are favoured; equilibrium lies to the right.
• Kc << 1: Reactants are favoured; equilibrium lies to the left.
• Kc ≈ 1: Neither strongly favoured; significant amounts of both present.
D. Worked Examples
Example 1: Write Kc for: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g)
Solution: Kc = [SO₃]² / [SO₂]²[O₂]
Example 2: For H₂(g) + I₂(g) ⇌ 2HI(g), equilibrium concentrations are: [H₂] = 0.10 M, [I₂] = 0.20 M,
[HI] = 0.80 M. Calculate Kc.
Solution: Kc = [HI]² / [H₂][I₂] = (0.80)² / (0.10)(0.20) = 0.64 / 0.02 = 32
Kc = 32. Since Kc >> 1, the equilibrium favours products (HI).
Example 3: For N₂O₄(g) ⇌ 2NO₂(g), partial pressures: P(N₂O₄) = 0.30 atm, P(NO₂) = 0.60 atm.
Calculate Kp.
Solution: Kp = (P(NO₂))² / P(N₂O₄) = (0.60)² / 0.30 = 0.36 / 0.30 = 1.2
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KEY WORDS AND MEANINGS
Keyword Meaning
Reversible reaction A reaction that can proceed in both forward and backward
directions
Irreversible reaction A reaction that proceeds in one direction only and goes to
completion
Dynamic equilibrium A state where forward and reverse reaction rates are equal and
concentrations remain constant
Closed system A system that does not allow exchange of matter with its
surroundings
Le Chatelier’s Principle If a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it shifts to counteract the
disturbance
Equilibrium constant (Kc) Ratio of product to reactant concentrations at equilibrium, each
raised to stoichiometric coefficients
Equilibrium constant (Kp) Equilibrium constant expressed in terms of partial pressures of
gaseous species
Partial pressure The pressure exerted by an individual gas in a mixture of gases
Equilibrium position The relative proportions of reactants and products at equilibrium
Catalyst A substance that increases reaction rate without being consumed;
does not shift equilibrium
Exothermic reaction A reaction that releases heat (ΔH is negative)
Endothermic reaction A reaction that absorbs heat (ΔH is positive)
CLASS ACTIVITIES
Activity 1: Demonstration – Reversible Reaction
Heat blue CuSO₄.5H₂O gently in a test tube. Observe colour change from blue to white. Allow to cool,
then add drops of water. Observe the return to blue. Discuss why this demonstrates reversibility.
Activity 2: Think-Pair-Share – Le Chatelier’s Principle
Present: N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g) (ΔH = −92 kJ/mol). Students predict effects of: (a) increasing
pressure, (b) raising temperature, (c) adding more N₂, (d) adding a catalyst. Discuss in pairs for 3
minutes, then share.
Activity 3: Guided Problem-Solving
For CO(g) + H₂O(g) ⇌ CO₂(g) + H₂(g), at equilibrium: [CO] = 0.05 M, [H₂O] = 0.06 M, [CO₂] = 0.15 M,
[H₂] = 0.20 M. Calculate Kc.
Expected answer: Kc = (0.15 × 0.20) / (0.05 × 0.06) = 0.03 / 0.003 = 10
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ASSIGNMENT
TAKE-HOME ASSIGNMENT
1. Define: (a) reversible reaction, (b) dynamic equilibrium, (c) Le Chatelier’s principle.
2. Give three examples each of reversible and irreversible reactions.
3. Using Le Chatelier’s principle, explain the effect of (a) increasing temperature, (b)
increasing pressure, and (c) adding a catalyst on: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g) ΔH = −198
kJ/mol.
4. Write Kc and Kp expressions for: (a) N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g), (b) PCl₅(g) ⇌ PCl₃(g) +
Cl₂(g), (c) 2NO₂(g) ⇌ N₂O₄(g).
5. For H₂(g) + Br₂(g) ⇌ 2HBr(g), equilibrium concentrations: [H₂] = 0.25 M, [Br₂] = 0.15 M,
[HBr] = 0.50 M. Calculate Kc and state whether products or reactants are favoured.
6. Give two examples of equilibrium in nature and explain the equilibrium in each.
7. For N₂O₄(g) ⇌ 2NO₂(g), Kp = 0.14 atm at 25°C. If P(N₂O₄) = 0.50 atm, calculate P(NO₂).
CONCLUSION / EVALUATION
Summary:
Chemical equilibrium explains the behaviour of reversible reactions. At dynamic equilibrium,
forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, and concentrations remain constant. Le
Chatelier’s principle predicts how systems respond to changes in concentration, temperature, or
pressure. The equilibrium constant (Kc or Kp) quantifies the equilibrium position. These principles
are essential in industrial chemistry (e.g., Haber process) and understanding natural equilibrium
systems.
Evaluation (Oral Questions):
1. What is the difference between a reversible and an irreversible reaction?
2. What does it mean when we say equilibrium is “dynamic”?
3. State Le Chatelier’s principle in your own words.
4. How does a catalyst affect equilibrium?
5. If Kc = 0.005, are products or reactants favoured?
REFERENCES
• Ababio, O.Y. (2016). New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools.
• WAEC/NECO Past Questions and Marking Schemes (Chemistry).
• NERDC National Curriculum for Senior Secondary Chemistry.
• Atkins, P. and de Paula, J. (2014). Atkins’ Physical Chemistry. Oxford University Press.
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