6.2.2

Equilibrium

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Dynamic Equilibrium

When reversible reactions happen within a closed system, a dynamic equilibrium will eventually be reached.

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Closed system

  • A closed system is a system where reactants and products can neither be added nor removed.
Illustrative background for Dynamic equilibriumIllustrative background for Dynamic equilibrium ?? "content

Dynamic equilibrium

  • At dynamic equilibrium, the rates of the forwards and backwards reactions are equal.
  • The equilibrium is dynamic because both the forward and backward reactions are still taking place.
  • The concentrations of reactants and products do not change when a reaction is at dynamic equilibrium.

Conditions and Equilibrium

Changing the conditions in a reversible reaction affects the position of equilibrium.

Illustrative background for Changing conditionsIllustrative background for Changing conditions ?? "content

Changing conditions

  • The conditions determine the relative quantities of the different reactants and products in a reaction at equilibrium.
Illustrative background for Le Chatelier's principleIllustrative background for Le Chatelier's principle ?? "content

Le Chatelier's principle

  • Le Chatelier’s principle says that if any of the conditions of a reversible reaction at equilibrium are changed, the closed system will adapt to counteract whatever has changed.
  • This principle is used to predict the outcome of changes imposed on a system at equilibrium.

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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