Dynamic Equilibrium

Forward Reaction

reactants turning into products

Reactants → products

A + B → AB

Reverse Reaction

products turning into their reactants

AB → A + B

products → reactants

What is equilibrium?

when a system reaches balance

Describe equilibrium using rates of change and overall change

when the rates in a system of the forward rx and reverse rx are equal, it means the system is in equilibrium because the system is at balance.

What’s an example of chemical reaction at equilibrium?

NH3 ⇌ N₂+ H₂

How is dynamic equilibrium connected to collision theory?

The effectiveness, energy, and frequency of collisions between substances determine the forward rx and reverse rx rates. The chemical process cannot reach equilibrium in without the presence of a steady state. So, the rates of collision is very important.

Why does dynamic equilibrium only happen in a closed system?

This can only happen in a closed system because all the concentrations of the chemicals remain the same. Allowing the system to go through forward and reverse reactions and eventually finding a balance, which is equilibrium.

Conditions for equilibrium

• no observable changes

• opposite changes are equal

• can only happen in a closed system

• can be approached from either side of the equation

  • reactants or products