Reversible Reactions & Equilibrium Flashcards
All 6 cards in this deck
What does the symbol ⇌ mean in a chemical equation?
The reaction is reversible — it can go in both the forward and backward directions.
What is meant by dynamic equilibrium?
The forward and backward reactions happen at the same rate in a closed system, so the concentrations of reactants and products stay constant.
True or false? At dynamic equilibrium the concentrations of reactants and products stay constant, but they are not necessarily equal to each other.
True. Constant concentrations do not mean equal amounts of reactants and products.
How can you show that this reaction is reversible?
e.g.
Heat the blue hydrated crystals: they turn white as water is given off. Add water to the white anhydrous solid: it turns blue again.
True or false? Adding water to white anhydrous copper sulfate releases heat.
True. The reverse reaction gives out heat and the solid turns blue again.
What does it mean if an equilibrium 'lies to the right'?
The equilibrium mixture contains more products than reactants.