1. What is Total Number of Moles at Equilibrium?

Definition: This calculator determines the total number of moles present in a chemical reaction at equilibrium, accounting for dissociation.

Purpose: It helps chemists and students understand how dissociation affects the total number of moles in a reaction system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( n_{total} \) — Total moles in reaction (mol)
• \( n_{moles} \) — Initial number of moles (mol)
• \( \alpha \) — Degree of dissociation (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the fraction of molecules that dissociate into smaller particles at equilibrium.

3. Importance of Equilibrium Moles Calculation

Details: Understanding the total moles at equilibrium is crucial for predicting reaction yields, equilibrium constants, and pressure changes in gaseous systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial number of moles and the degree of dissociation (between 0 and 1). The degree of dissociation represents the fraction of molecules that break apart.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does degree of dissociation mean?
A: It's the fraction of molecules that dissociate into smaller particles at equilibrium (0 = no dissociation, 1 = complete dissociation).

Q2: Why does dissociation reduce total moles?
A: The formula assumes the original species is counted as one mole, and dissociation reduces its contribution to the total count.

Q3: Can the degree of dissociation be greater than 1?
A: No, it's a fraction between 0 (no dissociation) and 1 (complete dissociation).

Q4: How is this different from van't Hoff factor?
A: The van't Hoff factor (i) would be calculated as i = 1 + α(n-1) for a species dissociating into n particles.

Q5: When would I use this calculation?
A: When studying chemical equilibria, particularly for weak electrolytes or reactions where not all molecules dissociate.