Q. 10.20 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

When does a reversible reaction reach equilibrium?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Equilibrium is a reaction state in which the concentrations of reactants and products do not change over time.

Step 1: Introduction

Reversible reaction:

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

The following reaction, for example, 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

Step 2: Explanation

Equilibrium is a reaction state in which the concentrations of reactants and products do not change over time, i.e., the concentrations of reactants and products do not change. The forward and reverse reaction rates are equal in an equilibrium state.