 | Term | Definition |
| |
spontaneous process |
process that takes place naturally with no apparent cause or stimulus |
| |
exergonic process |
process that gives up energy as it takes place |
| |
endergonic process |
process that gains or accepts energy as it takes place |
| |
entropy |
measurement or indication of the disorder or randomness of a system (the more disorderly, the more entropy) |
| |
stable substance |
substance that does not undergo spontaneous changes under the surrounding conditions |
| |
reaction rate |
speed of a reaction |
| |
reaction mechanism |
detailed explanation of how a reaction actually takes place |
| |
internal energy |
energy associated with vibrations within molecules |
| |
activation energy |
energy needed to start some spontaneous processes. once started, the processes continue without furthre stimulus or energy from an outside source |
| |
effective collision |
collision that causes a reaction to occur between the colliding molecules |
| |
catalyst |
substance that changes (usually increases) reaction rates without being used up in the reaction |
| |
inhibitor |
substance that decreases reaction rates |
| |
homogeneous catalyst |
catalytic substance that is distributed uniformly throughout the reaction mixture |
| |
heterogeneous or surface catalyst |
catalytic substance normally used in the form of a solid with a large surface area where reactions take place |
| |
state of equilibrium |
condition in a reaction system when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal |
| |
equilibrium concentrations |
unchanging concentrations of reactants and products in a reaction system that is in a state of equilibrium |
| |
position of equilibrium |
indication of the relative amounts of reactants and products present at equilibrium |
| |
equilibrium expression |
equation relating the equilibrium constant and reactant and product equilibrium concentrations |
| |
equilibrium constant |
numerical relationship between reactant and product concentrations in a reaction at equilibrium |
| |
Le Chatelier's Principle |
position of equilibrium shifts in response to changes made in factors of the equilibrium |
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