Chemical Equilibrium

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Chemical Equilibrium

Similar to physical processes chemical reactions gradually attain a state of equilibrium after sometime. Let us consider a general reversible reaction.

A + B ⇄ C + D

Initially only A and B are present Soon, a few molecules of the products C and D are formed by the forward reaction. As the concentration of the products increases, more products collide and react in the backward direction. This leads to an increase in the rate of backward reaction. As the rate of reverse reaction increases, the rate of the forward reaction decreases. Eventually, the rate of both reactions becomes equal.

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Let us consider, a situation in multi storey building, people are moving from first floor to second flor and vice versa. Assume that a certain number people moves up from first floor to second floor in a specific time, and the same number of people moves down from second floor to the first floor in the same time.

Chemical Equilibrium

Now, the rate of movement of people from first to second floor equals the rate of movement of people from second to first floor, and hence the number of people in each floor will remain the same. This the population of people on the two floors is in a dynamic equilibrium Let us extend this analogy to understand dynamic nature of equilibrium.

Chemical reactions which are reversible do not cease, when equilibrium is attained. At equilibrium the forward and the backward reactions are proceeding at the same rate and no macroscopic change is observed. So chemical equilibrium is in a state of dynamic equilibrium.

For example,

H2(g) + I2(g) ⇄ 2HI (g)