6.2.1

Reversible Reactions

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Reversible Reactions

Some chemical reactions can proceed in both forwards and backwards directions. We describe these reactions as reversible.

Illustrative background for Reversible reactionsIllustrative background for Reversible reactions ?? "content

Reversible reactions

  • A + B ⇌ C + D
    • The reactants (A + B) can combine to give the products (C + D).
    • The products (C + D) can combine to give the reactants (A + B).
Illustrative background for Exothermic and endothermic reactionsIllustrative background for Exothermic and endothermic reactions ?? "content

Exothermic and endothermic reactions

  • If the forwards reaction is exothermic (transfers energy from reactants to the environment), the backwards reaction will be endothermic (transfers energy from the environment to the reactants).
Illustrative background for Conservation of energyIllustrative background for Conservation of energy ?? "content

Conservation of energy

  • Energy is conserved during chemical reactions.
  • The energy released/absorbed by the forward reaction will be exactly equal to the energy absorbed/released by the backward reaction.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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