Reversible Reactions & Dynamic Equilibrium

• What are reversible reactions?

  Reversible reactions are those that can proceed in both forward and backward directions.
• What does the term equilibrium mean in the context of reversible reactions?

  Equilibrium refers to the state where the forward and backward reactions occur at the same rate, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products.
• How is a one-way reaction represented in chemical equations?

  A one-way reaction is represented with an arrow pointing to the right.
• What does a double arrow in a chemical equation indicate?

  A double arrow indicates that the reaction is reversible.
• What is the forward reaction in the context of ammonium chloride?

  The forward reaction is when ammonium chloride breaks down into ammonia and hydrogen chloride.
• What happens to the rates of the forward and backward reactions over time?

  Initially, the forward reaction is fast, but as reactants turn into products, it slows down while the backward reaction speeds up until they reach the same rate.
• What is the backward reaction in the context of ammonium chloride?

  The backward reaction is when ammonia and hydrogen chloride combine to reform ammonium chloride.
• What does it mean when a reaction is at equilibrium?

  At equilibrium, both the forward and backward reactions are occurring at the same rate, resulting in no overall change in concentrations.
• Can the concentrations of reactants and products be the same at equilibrium?

  No, the concentrations can be different; what matters is that the rates of the forward and backward reactions are equal.
• What is meant by the position of equilibrium?

  The position of equilibrium refers to the relative concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium.
• How does the position of equilibrium change with different concentrations?

  If there are more products, the equilibrium lies to the right; if there are more reactants, it lies to the left.
• How do temperature changes affect the position of equilibrium?

  Adding heat encourages the forward reaction, shifting equilibrium to the right, while cooling shifts it to the left.
• What is required for equilibrium to be reached in a reversible reaction?

  Equilibrium can only be reached in a closed system where reactants and products cannot escape.
• What is the relationship between exothermic and endothermic reactions in reversible reactions?

  In reversible reactions, one direction is always exothermic and the other is endothermic.
• What are the key characteristics of reversible reactions?

  • Represented by a double arrow in chemical equations
  • Can proceed in both forward and backward directions
  • One direction is exothermic, the other is endothermic
  • Equilibrium is reached when the rates of both reactions are equal
• What occurs when water is added to anhydrous copper sulfate?

  Adding water to anhydrous copper sulfate drives the exothermic backward reaction, reforming hydrated copper sulfate.
• What do the terms hydrated and anhydrous mean?

  • Hydrated: Water is present
  • Anhydrous: No water is present
• What happens to hydrated copper sulfate when heated?

  Heating hydrated copper sulfate drives the endothermic forward reaction, producing anhydrous copper sulfate and evaporating water.
• What factors can affect the position of equilibrium in a reversible reaction?

  • Concentration of reactants and products
  • Temperature changes
  • Pressure changes (for gaseous reactions)
• What is the significance of a closed system in reversible reactions?

  • Prevents escape of reactants and products
  • Allows equilibrium to be reached