7.1 The Equilibrium State

Question 1

What is a reversible reaction?

Answer 1

One that can go in either direction, a reversible reaction can come to a state of equilibrium.

Question 2

What is dynamic equilibrium?

Answer 2

Macroscopic properties are constant, concentrations of all reactants and products remain constant. The rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction.

Question 3

What is a closed system?

Answer 3

No exchange of matter with the surroundings, equilibrium can only be attained in a closed system.

Question 4

What is physical equilibrium?

Answer 4

Equilibrium involving a physical process such as melting/freezing or evaporating/condensing.

Question 5

What happens if a volatile liquid is put in a closed container?

Answer 5

It will reach a state of equilibrium where the macroscopic properties are constant when the rate of evaporation is equal to the rate of condensation.