For each of the following reactions, predict whether the equilibrium lies predominantly to the left or to the right. Explain your predictions briefly.

1. (a) NH₄⁺(aq) + Br⁻(aq) ⇄ NH₃(aq) + HBr(aq)
2. (b) HPO₄²⁻(aq) + CH₃CO₂⁻(aq) ⇄ PO₄³⁻(aq) + CH₃CO₂H(aq)
3. (c)[Fe(H₂O)₆]³⁺(aq) + HCO₃⁻(aq) ⇄ [Fe(H₂O)₅(OH)]²⁺(aq) + H₂CO₃(aq)

Interpretation: The direction of the equilibrium for the given reaction is to be determined.

Concept introduction: An acid-base reaction reaction is represented as written below.

  HA(aq)+B(aq) ⇌  BH+(aq)  +    A−(aq)(acid)    (base)        (conjugate     acid)   (conjugate     base)

The base will take up the proton from acid and form its conjugate acid and simultaneously acid will form its conjugate base. The equilibrium will be forward or backward can be determined by using the dissociation constants (Kaand Kb) for reactants as well as of the products. The more the value of Ka for an acid, stronger will be the acid and it will undergo faster ionization. Similarly, higher the value of Kb for a base, stronger will be the base and it will undergo faster ionization.

The equilibrium for the given reaction will move in left side is explained below.

  NH4+(aq)+Br−(aq) ⇌  NH3(aq)  +    HBr(aq) (acid)         (base)     &

Interpretation: The direction of the equilibrium for the given reaction is to be determined.

Concept introduction: An acid-base reaction reaction is represented as written below.

  HA(aq)+B(aq) ⇌  BH+(aq)  +    A−(aq)(acid)    (base)        (conjugate     acid)   (conjugate     base)

The base will take up the proton from acid and form its conjugate acid and simultaneously acid will form its conjugate base. The equilibrium will be forward or backward can be determined by using the dissociation constants (Kaand Kb) for reactants as well as of the products. The more the value of Ka for an acid, stronger will be the acid and it will undergo faster ionization. Similarly, higher the value of Kb for a base, stronger will be the base and it will undergo faster ionization.

Interpretation: The direction of the equilibrium for the given reaction is to be determined.

Concept introduction: An acid-base reaction reaction is represented as written below.

  HA(aq)+B(aq) ⇌  BH+(aq)  +    A−(aq)(acid)    (base)        (conjugate     acid)   (conjugate     base)

The base will take up the proton from acid and form its conjugate acid and simultaneously acid will form its conjugate base. The equilibrium will be forward or backward can be determined by using the dissociation constants (Kaand Kb) for reactants as well as of the products. The more the value of Ka for an acid, stronger will be the acid and it will undergo faster ionization. Similarly, higher the value of Kb for a base, stronger will be the base and it will undergo faster ionization.