Chapter 17, Problem 11A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The state of equilibrium needs to be explained. Also, examples of physical equilibrium and chemical equilibrium needs to be given.

Concept introduction:Equilibrium is a state where there is no net change in the amounts of the reactants and products. It can be divided into physical equilibrium and chemical equilibrium.

Physical equilibrium is an equilibrium which gets established between different phases. In these processes, there is no change in chemical composition. There is no change in chemical composition.

Chemical equilibrium can be defined as state of a system in which the concentration of the reactant and the concentration of the products does not change with time.

Answer to Problem 11A

Example of physical equilibrium is melting of solid ice.

Example of chemical equilibrium is reaction between haemoglobin and oxygen in our body.

Explanation of Solution

At equilibrium, the rate of transformation of reactants into products and rate of transformation of products into reactants are equal.

Example of physical equilibrium is melting of solid ice which can be represented as,

  $H_{2}O\left(solid\right)\rightleftharpoons H_{2}O\left(liquid\right)$

At $0^{\circ }C$ rate of freezing of water { $H_{2}O\left(liquid\right)$ } is equal to the rate of melting of ice { $H_{2}O\left(solid\right)$ }. Number of water molecules converted into ice is equal ice converted to the water molecules.

Example of chemical equilibrium is reaction between haemoglobin and oxygen in our body.

  $Hb\left(aq\right)+4O_2\left(aq\right)\rightleftharpoons Hb{\left(O_2\right)}_4\left(aq\right)$

The equilibrium shown above not only preserves oxygenated haemoglobin but also transport oxygen to different areas of body which requires oxygen.

Conclusion

Example of physical equilibrium is melting of solid ice.

Example of chemical equilibrium is reaction between haemoglobin and oxygen in our body.