equilibrium basics

Question 1

what is a reversible reaction?

Answer 1

reactions which take place in forward and backward directions

Question 2

state the two features of a dynamic equilibrium system

Answer 2

• the rate of the forward and backward reactions are equal
• the concentrations of reactants and products do not change

Question 3

why do the concentrations of reactants and products not change?

Answer 3

as fast as reactants are becoming products, products are becoming reactants

Question 4

why must equilibrium reactions be closed systems?

Answer 4

so that temp, pressure and concentration aren’t influenced by outside variables

Question 5

what is le chatelieur’s principle?

Answer 5

when a system in equilibrium is subject to external change, the system readjusts to minimise this change

Question 6

how is a dynamic equilibrium reached?

Answer 6

• forward reaction increases as reactants are used up
• backward reaction increases as the concentration of product increases
• DE = when rate of forwards and backwards reactions are equal