Q. 10.19 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What is meant by the term reversible reaction?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

A set of forward and backward reactions is known as a reversible reaction. 

Step 1: Introduction

Acid-base system of Bronsted-Lowry:

Acid:

Acid is a chemical that donates the${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ (hydrogen ion) according to Bronsted-Lowry, or proton. Bronsted-Lowry acid is a proton donor in general.

Base:

A base, according to Bronsted-Lowry, is a substance that accepts the hydrogen ion or proton${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$In general, the Bronsted-Lowry base is a proton acceptor.

$\mathrm{HF}+{\mathrm{NH}}_3\to {\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$

Acid  base

Step 2: Acid-base neutralization

The acid-base neutralization process occurs when an acid reacts with a base to produce water, a solvent,as well as an ionic salt

$\mathrm{HCl}\left(aq\right)+\mathrm{KOH}\left(aq\right)\to {\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(l\right)+\mathrm{KCl}\left(aq\right)$

  Acid            Base          Water      Salt

Step 3: Reversible reaction

A set of forward and backward reactions is known as a reversible reaction. Forward reactions turn reactants into products, while reverse reactions turn products into reactants.

The following reaction, is an example of reversible reaction:

${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(l\right)+{\mathrm{CO}}_3^{2-}\left(aq\right)\rightleftharpoons {\mathrm{HCO}}_3^{-}\left(aq\right)+{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

Acid          Base