Section: STEM · ChemistryDifficulty: Medium
Chemical Equilibrium
USUK
The state in which forward and reverse reaction rates are equal with no net change.
Definition
Chemical equilibrium is the state of a reversible chemical reaction at which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products over time. The position of equilibrium is described by the equilibrium constant (K) and can be shifted by changes in concentration, temperature, or pressure, as described by Le Chatelier's Principle.
Example
“In the industrial Haber process for making ammonia, nitrogen and hydrogen gases reach equilibrium with ammonia; engineers adjust temperature and pressure to maximize ammonia production according to Le Chatelier's Principle.”
Synonyms
- dynamic equilibrium
- reversible equilibrium
- chemical balance
Antonyms / Opposites
- irreversible reaction
- completion
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Related Terms
- Le Chatelier's Principle
- Equilibrium Constant
- Reversible Reaction
- Reaction Rate