Reversible Reactions in Chemistry

Key Concepts

• Reversible Reactions:

  • Chemical reactions that can proceed in both forward and backward directions.

• Closed System:

  • A condition where no reactants or products can be added or removed from the system.

Equilibrium

• Equilibrium Definition:

  • When the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the backward reaction.

• Characteristics of Equilibrium:

  • At equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time.
  • The system is in a state of balance.

Important Points

• Reactions must occur in a closed system to reach equilibrium.
• Equilibrium does not mean that the reactions have stopped, but that they occur at the same rate in both directions.