Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Chemical Change

State equilibrium principle and terms

State Le Chatelier's principle in full, or define dynamic equilibrium, a closed system or a reversible reaction.

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Chemical Equilibrium Introduction Grade 12 ChemistryMiss Martins Maths and Science
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Question 6.1 · May/June 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

Consider the balanced equation for a hypothetical reaction that takes place in dm sealed containers.



The graphs below, not drawn to scale, are obtained for the same reaction at two different temperatures.

Graph A is obtained at K and graph B at K.Diagram for this question
6.1 State Le Chatelier's principle.(2)

Work it out on paper first. Then mark yourself with the official memo, one tick at a time.

More past paper questions: state equilibrium principle and terms

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  1. 3. Question 6.1.1 · November 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    6.1 Equilibrium is established at °C in a saturated calcium hydroxide solution according to the reaction:



    Answer the questions that follow.
    6.1.1 State Le Chatelier's principle.(2)
    Show the memo (1 tick)
    1. ✓
      Le Chatelier's principleWhen the equilibrium in a closed system is disturbed, the system will re-instate a new equilibrium by favouring the reaction that will cancel/oppose the disturbance.

      2 marks · State equilibrium principle and terms

  2. 4. Question 6.1.1 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    6.1 The reaction of carbon monoxide gas, CO(g), with oxygen gas, (g), is investigated. The reaction reaches equilibrium in a closed container at constant temperature T °C, according to the balanced equation:



    Changes to the conditions of equilibrium are made at different times. The graph shows the results obtained. X, Y and Z represent the gases in the above reaction.

    Answer the questions that follow.Diagram for question 6.1
    6.1.1 Define the term chemical equilibrium.(2)
    Show the memo (1 tick)
    1. ✓
      Definition of chemical equilibrium(The dynamic equilibrium when) the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.

      OR: The stage in a chemical reaction when the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant.

      2 marks · State equilibrium principle and terms

  3. 5. Question 6.1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    One mole of pure hydrogen iodide gas, HI(g), is sealed in a dm container at K. Equilibrium is reached according to the following balanced equation:



    It is found that moles of (g) are present at equilibrium.
    6.1 State Le Chatelier's principle.(2)
    Show the memo (1 tick)
    1. ✓
      Le Chatelier's principleWhen the equilibrium in a closed system is disturbed, the system will re-instate a (new) equilibrium by favouring the reaction that will cancel/oppose the disturbance.

      2 marks · State equilibrium principle and terms

  4. 6. Question 6.1.2 · May/June 2022 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    6.1 Initially, moles (g) and moles (g) are allowed to react in a sealed dm flask according to the following balanced equation:



    The graph below shows the concentrations of (g) and HI(g) versus time during the reaction.

    Answer the questions that follow.Diagram for question 6.1
    6.1.2 State Le Chatelier's principle.(2)
    Show the memo (2 ticks)
    1. ✓
      Disturbed closed system re-instates equilibriumWhen the equilibrium in a closed system is disturbed, the system will re-instate a (new) equilibrium

      1 mark · State equilibrium principle and terms

    2. ✓
      Favours the reaction that opposes the disturbanceby favouring the reaction that will cancel/oppose the disturbance.

      1 mark · State equilibrium principle and terms

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