reversible reactions

• What does it mean for a reaction to be reversible?

  It can proceed in both forwards and backwards directions
• What is the general representation of a reversible reaction?

  A + B ⇌ C + D
• What happens to reactants in a reversible reaction?

  They can combine to form products
• What happens to products in a reversible reaction?

  They can combine to reform reactants
• What characterizes an exothermic reaction?

  It transfers energy from reactants to the environment
• What characterizes an endothermic reaction?

  It transfers energy from the environment to the reactants
• How are the energy changes in forward and backward reactions related?

  They are equal and opposite
• What is the principle of conservation of energy in chemical reactions?

  Energy is conserved during chemical reactions
• What is dynamic equilibrium in a reversible reaction?

  The rate of forwards reaction equals the rate of backward reaction
• What is a closed system in the context of chemical reactions?

  Reactants and products cannot be added or removed
• Why is the equilibrium in a reversible reaction described as dynamic?

  Both forward and backward reactions are still occurring
• What are the characteristics of exothermic and endothermic reactions in reversible processes?

  • Exothermic: forwards reaction releases energy
  • Endothermic: backwards reaction absorbs energy
• What occurs at dynamic equilibrium in a closed system?

  • Rates of forwards and backwards reactions are equal
  • Reactants and products remain constant in concentration