Reversible Reactions & Equilibrium Flashcards

All 3 cards in this deck

What does the symbol $\rightleftharpoons$ show in a chemical equation?

The reaction is reversible — it can go both forwards and backwards.
e.g. $\mathrm{CuSO_4.5H_2O \rightleftharpoons CuSO_4 + 5H_2O}$

What is meant by dynamic equilibrium?

The forward and backward reactions happen at the same time at equal rates, so the amounts of reactants and products stay constant.

What are the steps of an experiment to show that this reaction is reversible?
e.g. $\mathrm{CuSO_4.5H_2O \rightleftharpoons CuSO_4 + 5H_2O}$

1. Heat the hydrated (blue) crystals: the solid goes white and steam/water is produced.
2. Add water to the white anhydrous solid: it goes blue again and heat is released.
3. Changing the conditions changed the direction of the reaction.