Exam Focus: Equilibrium

Part of Equilibrium (HT) · Section 11 of 14

Exam FocusUnit: Rates of ReactionGCSE

This exam focus covers Exam Focus: Equilibrium within Equilibrium (HT) for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Equilibrium (HT) in Rates of Reaction for GCSE Chemistry with 23 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 11 of 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.

🎯 Exam Focus: Equilibrium

very-high Le Chatelier questions (3-4 marks HT): State the direction of shift, explain why using the principle, and state the effect on yield.

high Haber process analysis (3-4 marks): Explain the compromise conditions — why 450°C rather than lower temperature, why 200 atm rather than higher.

medium Dynamic equilibrium definition (2 marks): Must include "rates are equal" AND "closed system" AND "both reactions still occurring".

Key phrase to earn marks: "The equilibrium position shifts to the [left/right], increasing/decreasing the yield of [product/reactant]."

Edexcel 1CH0: Examined in Paper 2 (1CH0/2). Le Chatelier's principle is Higher tier in Edexcel 1CH0 — expect questions on effect of temperature, pressure, and concentration on equilibrium position. In Edexcel-style questions, the command word "Suggest" appears frequently — use your chemistry knowledge to apply to an unfamiliar context.

Practice questions for Equilibrium (HT)

At dynamic equilibrium, which of the following is true?

  • A. The rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction
  • B. The concentrations of reactants and products are always equal
  • C. The forward reaction stops and only the reverse reaction continues
  • D. All chemical reactions have stopped
1 markfoundation

Explain the effect of increasing temperature on the position of an equilibrium where the forward reaction is exothermic.

2 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

What does 'dynamic equilibrium' mean?
Forward and backward reactions happen at the same rate, so concentrations stay constant
What conditions are needed for equilibrium?
A closed system (nothing can escape) and a reversible reaction

23 questions on Equilibrium (HT) — practise free

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