Definition

Noun: A state in a chemical reaction where the forward reaction and the reverse reaction occur at the same rate. This results in no net change in the concentrations of the reactants and products, although both reactions continue to occur.

Usage

Chemical equilibrium describes a dynamic balance in a closed system. It is a core concept in chemistry indicating that the reaction has reached a stable state where the amounts of substances no longer appear to change.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The system achieved chemical equilibrium after several hours, with constant concentrations of hydrogen and iodine.
  • Le Chatelier's principle predicts how a system at chemical equilibrium responds to changes in conditions.
  • In a sealed container, the evaporation of water and its condensation can reach a state of chemical equilibrium.

Advanced Usage

• Dynamic Nature: It is crucial to understand that is dynamic, not static. Reactants and products are continuously being converted into each other at equal rates.
  • At chemical equilibrium, molecules are constantly reacting, but the overall concentrations remain constant.
• Equilibrium Constant (K): The position of is quantified by the equilibrium constant, which relates the concentrations of products and reactants.
  • A large equilibrium constant indicates that the chemical equilibrium favors the formation of products.

Variants and Related Words

• Equilibrium (n): A more general term for a state of balance. In chemistry, it is often synonymous with .
  • The market reached an equilibrium price. (General use)
  • The reaction mixture is in equilibrium. (Chemical context)
• Dynamic equilibrium (n): A phrase often used interchangeably with , emphasizing the ongoing nature of the forward and reverse processes.

Synonyms

• Dynamic equilibrium: (In chemical contexts) A state of balance where two opposing processes occur at the same rate.
• Steady state: (In some engineering/biological contexts) A similar concept of no net change, though not always identical to true .

Related Phrases

• Shift the equilibrium: To cause a change in the position of by altering conditions like concentration, temperature, or pressure.
  • Adding more reactant will shift the equilibrium to produce more product.
• Equilibrium position: Refers to the specific ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations at .
  • A catalyst speeds up the rate of reaching chemical equilibrium but does not change the equilibrium position.

Noun

1. a chemical reaction and its reverse proceed at equal rates