Chemical Equilibrium Chemistry Example 4

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Example 4

medium
At equilibrium in a reversible reaction, have the reactions stopped? Explain what is equal at equilibrium.

Solution

  1. 1
    No. At equilibrium the forward and reverse reactions are both still happening.
  2. 2
    What is equal are the forward and reverse reaction rates, so the concentrations stop changing even though particles continue reacting.

Answer

No. The reaction has not stopped; the forward and reverse rates are equal.
Chemical equilibrium is dynamic, not static. The system appears unchanged macroscopically because both directions proceed at the same rate, keeping concentrations constant over time.

About Chemical Equilibrium

A dynamic state in a reversible reaction where the forward and reverse reactions proceed at equal rates, so the macroscopic concentrations of reactants and products.

Learn more about Chemical Equilibrium →

More Chemical Equilibrium Examples

Example 1 easy

Explain what it means for a reaction to be at chemical equilibrium.

Example 2 medium

For the reaction [formula], at equilibrium [formula], [formula], and [formula]. Calculate [formula].

Example 3 medium

For [formula], if additional [formula] is added, which direction does the equilibrium shift? Apply L

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