Reversible Reactions and Equilibrium

Question 1

What is a reversible reaction?

Answer 1

In a reversible reaction, the products can be changed back into the original reactants .

Question 2

Describe the rates at the start and end of a forward reaction.

Answer 2

At the start the forward reaction is faster but at the end it has used up all the reactants so it is slower.

Question 3

Describe the rates at the start and end of a backward reaction.

Answer 3

At the start the forward reaction is slow because there is no products to turn back to reactants but a the end it is faster.

Question 4

What is meant by equilibrium?

Answer 4

When the rates of both reactions and the concentration of the products and reactants are constant.

Question 5

What condition must there be for a reversible reaction?Why?

Answer 5

It must be in a closed system. This is so that the reactants or products do not escape or it will not reach equilibrium.

Question 6

What happens to the concentration during equilibrium?

Answer 6

The concentration is constant BUT not the same for reactants than products.

Question 7

Why is the concentration not the same for reactants and products during equilibrium?

Answer 7

There may be lots of products but fewer reactants.
However, because the rates of the reactions are the same, there is no change in the relative concentrations of reactants and products for a reaction that is at equilibrium.

Question 8

Why will the position of equilibrium change?

Answer 8

Due to the different conditions.