Practice question · Multiple choice
Chemical equilibrium is defined by an equality of rates, not an equality of concentrations. What does this distinction imply for a reaction vessel whose concentrations have ceased changing?
Hints
- What does the term 'dynamic' imply about molecular events when macroscopic properties look static?
- Does steady composition require that reactant and product amounts become identical?
Show the answer
B. Both reactions proceed constantly at identical rates
Why
Equal rates keep concentrations steady without equalising them or stopping molecular exchange. Macroscopic constancy masks microscopic dynamism, meaning chemical bonds are still breaking and forming continually rather than freezing at an absolute standstill.
Practise Chemical Equilibrium
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More questions on Chemical Equilibrium
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