CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Equilibria
Ethanol and ethanoic acid react reversibly in the presence of a strong acid catalyst:
In an experiment, equal amounts of ethanol and ethanoic acid are mixed in a closed flask and left until dynamic equilibrium is reached. Suggest why the value of for this reaction, calculated from the equilibrium concentrations, is constant at a given temperature, and why the position of equilibrium is unaffected by the addition of more catalyst.
6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Suggest means: Apply what you know to an unfamiliar situation. There may be more than one acceptable answer. Reason from the principle you have learned to the new context, and say which principle you are using.
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