Chemical Equilibria in Biology and Environment

Questions and Answers

What occurs when a liquid evaporates in a closed container?

Molecules with lower kinetic energy escape into the vapour phase.

Only light molecules leave the liquid phase.

The system enters a static equilibrium with no activity at the surface.

The number of liquid molecules leaving equals the number returning from the vapour. (correct)

Which of the following statements correctly describes the equilibrium state of a system?

The rate of evaporation is greater than the rate of condensation.

Equilibrium indicates that no molecules are moving between phases.

The processes of evaporation and condensation occur at different rates.

Both evaporation and condensation processes are happening simultaneously. (correct)

What is indicated by the double half arrows in the chemical equation H2O (l) ↔ H2O (vap)?

The equilibrium state is static with no changes.

Both evaporation and condensation are occurring simultaneously. (correct)

Liquid water completely converts into vapour.

Only the evaporation process is occurring.

Why does the presence of CO molecules in hemoglobin result in toxicity?

<p>CO interferes with oxygen transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an equilibrium mixture?

<p>A mixture of reactants and products in a system at equilibrium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Chemical Equilibria

Chemical equilibria are essential in various biological and environmental processes.
Hemoglobin interacts with O2 to facilitate its transport from lungs to muscles.
The binding of CO to hemoglobin highlights the toxicity of carbon monoxide.

Evaporation and Equilibrium

Evaporation occurs when liquid molecules with higher kinetic energy escape into the vapor phase.
A dynamic equilibrium is established when the number of liquid molecules evaporating matches those condensing back.
The system reaches a constant vapor pressure at equilibrium due to this balance.

Characteristics of Equilibrium

Equilibrium is characterized by continuous, dynamic activity at the interface of liquid and vapor.
At equilibrium, rates of evaporation and condensation are equal, indicating no net change in state.
This relationship can be represented as: H2O (l) ↔ H2O (vap), illustrating the dual direction of processes.

Equilibrium Mixture

The combination of reactants and products at equilibrium is termed an equilibrium mixture.
The equilibrium state is signified by the presence of both liquid and vapor phases co-existing without a change in quantity over time.

Description

This quiz explores the critical role of chemical equilibria in biological systems and environmental processes. Focused on concepts such as oxygen transport by hemoglobin and the effects of carbon monoxide, it highlights the importance of equilibria in various reactions. Test your understanding of these essential principles!