equilibrium law

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Equilibrium Law

Definition: The "equilibrium law" is a concept from chemistry. It states that when a chemical reaction can go in both directions (forward and backward), the speed at which the reaction goes forward compared to the speed at which it goes backward will always be the same at a certain point. This point is called "chemical equilibrium."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "equilibrium law" when discussing chemical reactions that can happen in two ways (like a reaction producing products and those products can also change back into reactants).
• This term is often used in scientific discussions, especially in chemistry classes or research.

Example:

In a reversible reaction, the equilibrium law tells us that if we have a certain amount of reactants and products, the ratio of their concentrations will remain constant at equilibrium, no matter how much time has passed.

Advanced Usage:

• In advanced chemistry, the equilibrium law can be expressed mathematically using the equilibrium constant (K). For example, for a reaction: ( aA + bB \leftrightarrow cC + dD ) The equilibrium constant ( K ) is given by: ( K = \frac{[C]^c [D]^d}{[A]^a [B]^b} ) where [A], [B], [C], and [D] are the concentrations of the substances at equilibrium.

Word Variants:

• Equilibrium (noun): The state of balance in a reaction.
• Equilibrate (verb): To reach a state of equilibrium.

Different Meanings:

• Equilibrium in general usage can refer to a state of balance or stability, not just in chemistry. For example, it can describe emotional balance or balance in economics.

Synonyms:

• Balance
• Stability
• Equanimity (in terms of emotional balance)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While "equilibrium law" itself doesn't have commonly used idioms or phrasal verbs, related concepts might include:
  • "To strike a balance": This means to find a middle ground between two opposing ideas or situations, similar to achieving equilibrium in a broader sense.
  • "To find one's footing": This expression can mean to find stability in a situation, akin to achieving equilibrium in a more abstract way.

Summary:

The equilibrium law is an important principle in chemistry that describes how reversible reactions behave when they reach a state of balance.

Academic

Noun

1. (chemistry) the principle that (at chemical equilibrium) in a reversible reaction the ratio of the rate of the forward reaction to the rate of the reverse reaction is a constant for that reaction

Synonyms

• law of chemical equilibrium