Chapter 17, Problem 10A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:This is to be explained using an example of everyday life that how equilibrium represents the balancing of opposing reactions.

Concept introduction: In the chemical equilibrium rate of the forward and backward reactions are equal and hence there is no net change in the amounts of the reactants and products. Or in other words,the concentration of the products and reactants remains constant.

Answer to Problem 10A

The equilibrium represents the exact balancing of the two processes where one process is opposing to another process.

Explanation of Solution

At equilibrium, the rate of transformation of reactants into products and the rate of transformation of products into reactants are equal. In this way, equilibrium represents the exact balancing of the two processes.

One famous example of chemical equilibrium is the reaction between hemoglobin and oxygen in our bodies.This equilibrium is the one that keeps us healthy and alive.

  $\text{Hb}\left(aq\right)+4O_2\left(aq\right)\rightleftharpoons \text{Hb}{\left({\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{4}}\left(aq\right)$

The equilibrium shown above not only preserves oxygenated hemoglobinbut also transports oxygen to different areas of the body which requires oxygen.

At high altitudes, there is a lack of oxygen.As a result, a person tends to feel light-headed. So, to increase the amount of oxygenaccording toLe Chatelier’s Principle the equilibrium moves in a backward direction.

Conclusion

The equilibrium represents the exact balancing of the two processes where one process is opposite to another process.