equilibrium

• What type of reactions are reversible?

  Chemical reactions
• What can happen to the products in a reversible reaction?

  They can react to reform the original reactants
• What does the double arrow (⇌) signify in a reaction?

  It indicates that the reaction is reversible
• What happens in the forward direction of a reversible reaction?

  Reactants form products
• What happens in the backward direction of a reversible reaction?

  Products reform reactants
• What is established when the rates of forward and backward reactions become equal?

  Dynamic equilibrium
• What occurs initially in a closed system during a reversible reaction?

  The forward reaction proceeds rapidly
• What happens to the rate of the forward reaction as reactants are used up?

  It slows down
• What accumulates as the forward reaction slows down?

  More products
• What happens to the backward reaction as products accumulate?

  It speeds up
• What is a key feature of dynamic equilibrium?

  Rates of forward and backward reactions are equal
• What does dynamic equilibrium appear to be, despite ongoing reactions?

  Unchanging
• What can disrupt dynamic equilibrium?

  Altering conditions like pressure or temperature
• What are the features of dynamic equilibrium?

  • Achieved only in a closed system
  • Concentrations of reactants and products stay constant
  • Rates of forward and backward reactions are equal
  • System appears unchanging despite ongoing reactions
• How do concentrations and rates change before, at, and after equilibrium?

  Before equilibrium:

  • Concentrations changing over time
  • Rates unequal

  
  

  At equilibrium:

  • Concentrations remain constant
  • Rates equal

  
  

  After equilibrium (when conditions change):

  • Concentrations adjust to new levels
  • Rates unequal initially, then re-equilibrate
• What does the position of equilibrium indicate?

  The relative amounts of reactants and products
• What does it mean if the equilibrium position lies to the right?

  Concentration of products is higher
• What does it mean if the equilibrium position lies to the left?

  Concentration of reactants is higher