Reversible reactions & Dynamic equilibrium

• Reversible reaction

  A reaction that can go forwards and backwards
• What happens during a reversible reaction

  Concentration of reactants fall

  Forward reaction slows down

  Concentrations of products rise

  Backwards reaction speeds up
• Equilibrium

  Rate of forward reaction is equal to the rate of the backward reaction
• Dynamic equilibrium

  When a reversible reaction is happening there is no overall affect because they are at the same rate. Product is breaking down just as quickly as it is being formed so there is no overall change in the concentrations of the reactants or products
• Condition required to reach equilibrium

  Reaction must take place in a closed system
• Equilibrium lies to the right

  Concentration of products is greater than reactants
• Equilibrium lies to the left

  Concentration of the reactants is greater than products
• Are the concentrations of the products and reactants equal?

  No as an equilibrium may lie to the right or left and that tells us which has the greater concentration
• 3 factors that alter position of equilibrium

  Temperature

  Pressure

  Concentration