reversible reactions

• A + B ⇌ C + D

  • A & B are reactants, C & D are products
• 1. as reactants react, concentration falls so forward reaction slows down; as more products are made & concentration rises, backward reaction will speed up
  2. after a while, forward reaction will be going at the same rate as the backward- this is an EQUILIBRIUM
  3. both reactions are still happening but there’s no overall effect so concentrations have balanced & wont change

  • equilibrium is only reached if reversible reaction is in a closed system
• in what system does a reversible reaction only occur in?

  closed system
• what happens to concentration when the reactants react?

  concentration falls
• what happens when the concentration falls

  forward reaction slows down
• what happens to the forward reaction when concentration falls?

  slows down
• what happens as more products are made

  concentrations rise
• what does it mean when concentrations rise

  backward reaction will speed up