Applications of Chemical Equilibrium
Understanding how equilibrium principles are applied across science and industry
1. Industrial Applications
Haber Process (Ammonia Synthesis)
Reaction: N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ + heat
- High pressure increases yield
- Lower temperature favors product but reduces rate
- Uses iron catalyst
Contact Process (Sulfuric Acid)
Reaction: 2SO₂ + O₂ ⇌ 2SO₃ + heat
- Moderate temperature, high pressure
- Uses V₂O₅ catalyst
2. Biological Systems
Oxygen Transport
Reaction: Hb + O₂ ⇌ HbO₂
In lungs → more HbO₂; In tissues → O₂ is released
Buffer Systems
Reaction: H₂CO₃ ⇌ H⁺ + HCO₃⁻
Helps maintain blood pH near 7.4
3. Analytical Chemistry
Solubility Product (Ksp)
Used to determine if a precipitate forms. Example: Ba²⁺ + SO₄²⁻ ⇌ BaSO₄(s)
4. Environmental Chemistry
Acid Rain
SO₂ + H₂O ⇌ H₂SO₃, NO₂ + H₂O ⇌ HNO₃
Gas-liquid equilibria help predict acid formation.
5. Pharmaceutical Applications
- Enzyme-substrate binding: E + S ⇌ ES
- Drug ionization affects absorption
Summary Table
| Field | Application | Equilibrium Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Ammonia, Sulfuric Acid | Le Chatelier’s Principle |
| Biology | Oxygen transport, buffers | Dynamic equilibrium |
| Analytical Chem. | Solubility & titrations | Ksp, Ka, Kb |
| Environment | Acid rain, gas solubility | Gas-liquid equilibria |
| Medicine | Drug effectiveness | Ionization equilibrium |
Equilibrium helps shape everything from how we breathe to how we power factories.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following is an industrial application of chemical equilibrium?
✅ b) Haber Process - Which catalyst is used in the Contact Process?
✅ c) V₂O₅ - What happens when pressure increases in the Haber Process?
✅ b) Shifts to the right - Which is a biological equilibrium?
✅ c) Oxygen binding to hemoglobin - Ksp is used to predict:
✅ c) Precipitation reactions
True or False
- ❌ The Haber Process uses platinum – False (uses iron)
- ✔️ Le Chatelier’s principle predicts equilibrium shifts – True
- ✔️ Buffers help maintain blood pH – True
- ❌ Acid rain does not involve equilibrium – False
- ❌ Ksp is used in titration curves – False
Quick Quiz
1. Which principle explains shifts in equilibrium?
Hess’s Law
Boyle’s Law
Le Chatelier’s Principle ✅
2. Hemoglobin binds with oxygen via:
Irreversible binding
Reversible binding ✅
3. V₂O₅ is used in which process?
Haber Process
Contact Process ✅
Useful Links
- Le Chatelier’s Principle – CHEMASH
- Chemical Equilibrium Introduction
- Haber Process – Britannica
- Buffer System – Khan Academy
