Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Chemical Equilibrium – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Chemical Equilibrium covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), the 5 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 5
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 79
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 35 min
What it covers
Chemical equilibrium deals with reversible reactions in a closed container, where both directions keep going at the same rate. You predict which way the system shifts when you add or remove a substance, change the pressure or heat it, interpret graphs that show how rates and concentrations change over time, and work out Kc from a table of starting and equilibrium amounts. The Haber process shows why factories settle for compromise conditions.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday 2 November 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (equilibrium typically ≈ 15–18 marks, typically Question 6, plus 2 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 6 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium25 min
- Le Chatelier's principle35 min
- The equilibrium constant and RICE-table calculations45 min
- Reading equilibrium graphs35 min
- Industrial equilibrium: the Haber process30 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples5 sections | 2 h 50 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 79 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 35 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 35 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on Chemical Equilibrium (79 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 5 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Chemical Equilibrium? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Chemical Equilibrium as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
- Acids and Bases
- Electrochemistry 1: Redox and Galvanic Cells
- Electrochemistry 2: Electrolytic Cells
- Quantitative Chemistry (Stoichiometry) Revision
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Chemical Equilibrium
How many marks is Chemical Equilibrium worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (equilibrium typically ≈ 15–18 marks, typically Question 6, plus 2 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 6 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Chemical Equilibrium?
About 4 h 35 min: 2 h 50 min for the notes and worked examples in its 5 sections, 1 h 35 min for the 10 exam-style questions (79 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Chemical Equilibrium?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Chemical Equilibrium as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.