7.1 Introduction to Equilibrium

Are many observable processes reversible?

Yes

Examples of reversible observable processes:

Evaporation and condensation of water, absorption and desorption of gas, dissolution and precipitation of salt

Examples of important reversible chemical processes:

Transfer of protons in acid-base reactions and transfer of electrons in redox reactions

Are there observable changes in the system when equilibrium is reached?

No

Are reactants or products present at equilibrium?

Both

What happens to the concentrations or partial pressures of all species at equilibrium?

Constant

Is the equilibrium state static or dynamic?

Dynami

What happens to the rates of forward and reverse processes at equilibrium?

Equal

What does the fact that the forward and reverse processes at equilibrium are equal result in?

No net observable change

What can be used to understand the establishment of chemical equilibrium?

Graphs of concentration, partial pressure, or rate of reaction vs time for simple reactions

Is there exchange of energy and matter between system and surrounding for open systems?

Yes

Is there exchange of energy and matter between system and surrounding for closed systems?

Only exchange of energy

Is there exchange of energy and matter between system and surrounding for isolated systems?

No