Equilibria Flashcards
What does a single arrow in a chemical equation mean?
A reaction is irreversible and goes to completion.
What is a reversible reaction?
A reaction can take place in both directions; the products can reform reactants.
How do you distinguish a reversible reaction?
A double arrow
How do you know a reaction is at equilibrium?
The concentrations of reactants and products remain constant but are rarely the same.
What is dynamic equilibrium?
The two rates are equal.
When can an equilibrium only be established?
In a closed system - where no reactants or products can escape.
What does the word dynamic indicate when talking about equilibrium?
Even though the concentrations of reactants and products are unchanging, the forward and backward reactions are just happening but at the same rate.
