reversible reactions Flashcards
What is a reversible reaction?
A reaction that can proceed in both the forward and backward directions.
Example: A + B →← C + D
What symbol indicates a reversible reaction?
→←
This symbol shows that products can form reactants and vice versa.
What is the forward reaction in a reversible reaction?
The reaction where reactants A and B form products C and D.
In the equation A + B →← C + D, A + B is the forward reaction.
What is the backward reaction in a reversible reaction?
The reaction where products C and D form reactants A and B.
In the equation A + B →← C + D, C + D is the backward reaction.
What happens to the concentrations of reactants during a reversible reaction?
They fall as reactants are converted to products.
This causes the forward reaction to slow down.
What is equilibrium in the context of reversible reactions?
A state where the forward and backward reactions occur at the same rate, and concentrations of products and reactants remain constant.
Equilibrium means that the amounts of products and reactants are not changing.
What is required for a reversible reaction to reach equilibrium?
A closed system.
A closed system means no reactants or products can escape and nothing else can enter.
How can the direction of a reversible reaction change?
By altering the conditions such as temperature, pressure, or concentration.
Changing these factors can shift the equilibrium position.
What does it mean if there are more products than reactants at equilibrium?
The reaction is going in the forward direction.
This indicates that the formation of products is favored.
What does it mean if there are more reactants than products at equilibrium?
The reaction is going in the backward direction.
This indicates that the formation of reactants is favored.
What characterizes an endothermic reaction?
It takes in heat.
In a reversible reaction, the endothermic direction absorbs energy.
What characterizes an exothermic reaction?
It gives out heat.
In a reversible reaction, the exothermic direction releases energy.
What is the relationship between the energy changes in endothermic and exothermic reactions in a reversible process?
The amount of energy taken in by the endothermic reaction is equal to the amount given out during the exothermic reaction.
This reflects the conservation of energy in reversible reactions.
