Q. 10.22 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Which of the following are not at equilibrium?

a. The rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.

b. The rate of the forward reaction does not change.

c. The concentrations of reactants and the products are not constant.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a) It is an equilibrium condition. 

b) It is an equilibrium condition. 

c) It is not an equilibrium condition. 

Step 1: Introduction

The statements are provided. To determine if the given statements are in balance

Step 2: explanation of (a)

In the equilibrium state, the forward reaction rate and the reversing reaction rate are identical. Because the forward and backward response rates are identical, this is an equilibrium condition.

Step 3: explanation of (b)

In the equilibrium state, the forward reaction rate and the reversing reaction rate are identical. Because the forward reaction rate does not change, it is an equilibrium state.

Step 4: explanation of (c)

Equilibrium is a chemical state in which reactant and product concentrations have not changed throughout time, meaning that reactant and product concentrations are constant. Because the concentrations of the reactants and products are not constant, it is not an equilibrium condition.