/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 75 Equilibrium may be defined as th... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Equilibrium may be defined as the of two processes, one of which is the opposite of the other.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Equilibrium can be defined as the state where two opposite processes occur simultaneously at the same rate, resulting in no net observable change in quantities or properties of the systems involved. Examples include reversible chemical reactions, such as \( A \rightleftharpoons B \), where the forward and reverse reaction rates become equal, and physical processes like evaporation and condensation in a closed container, where the rates of phase transition balance each other, maintaining a constant amount of liquid and vapor.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Equilibrium

In a simple sense, equilibrium is the state where two processes, one of which is the opposite of the other, are occurring at the same rate. In this balanced state, there is no observable change, as the two processes effectively cancel each other out.
02

Example of Equilibrium in a Chemical Reaction

Let's consider a reversible chemical reaction as an example: \( A \rightleftharpoons B \) In this reaction, substance A is being converted to substance B, and simultaneously, substance B is also being converted back to substance A. When the rate of the forward reaction and the rate of the reverse reaction are equal, the reaction has reached equilibrium. This means, although the reaction is still taking place, there will be no observable change in the concentration of A and B, as they are being converted at the same rate.
03

Example of Equilibrium in a Physical Process

Let's consider the process of evaporation and condensation of a liquid in a closed container: (liquid) \( \rightleftharpoons \) (vapor) Initially, the liquid molecules evaporate and turn into vapor. As more vapor molecules are formed, they collide with the container walls and with each other. This increases the chances of them condensing back to liquid form. When the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensation, equilibrium is established. At this point, the amount of liquid and vapor remains constant. In conclusion, equilibrium can be defined as the state where two processes occur simultaneously, one of which is the opposite of the other, at the same rate. This results in no net observable change in quantities or properties of the systems involved, maintaining a balanced state.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Reversible Reactions
In the realm of chemistry, a reversible reaction is one where the reactants can be converted into products, and vice versa, often symbolized as \( A \rightleftharpoons B \). These reactions are fascinating because they can reach a point where the forward and backward reactions occur at the same rate, leading to an equilibrium state.

Imagine a dance between two molecules, where they can switch partners — representing the conversion of A to B and then B back to A — at a constant pace. As long as the music (conditions like temperature, pressure) remains the same, the dancers (molecules) continue in harmony. However, if conditions change (perhaps the 'music' slows down or speeds up), the rhythm of the reaction can be altered, leading to a shift in equilibrium.

This behavior is pivotal in chemical manufacturing, biological systems, and environmental processes, informing us about reaction rates and how they can be manipulated.
Dynamic Equilibrium
Dynamic equilibrium in chemistry is akin to a tug-of-war where each team pulls with the exact same strength. Despite the constant effort from both sides, there is no movement – a stalemate.

In a chemical system, once the rates of the forward and reverse reactions become equal, the system is said to have reached dynamic equilibrium. It's 'dynamic' because the reactions continue to happen; molecules aren't at rest but are exchanging constantly. It's at equilibrium because the net effect is zero change in the concentrations of reactants and products over time.

The concentration of each species remains constant, but this doesn't mean the reaction has stopped. It continues to bustle with activity beneath the surface, much like a bustling indoor market that appears still from the outside because the number of people entering and leaving are the same.
Rate of Reaction
The rate of reaction is a measure of how fast reactants turn into products in a chemical reaction. To visualize it, think of a racetrack: the rate of reaction is akin to the speed of the cars on the track.

Factors such as the concentration of reactants, temperature, surface area, presence of a catalyst, and the nature of the reactants themselves can all turbo-charge or brake this speed. Higher concentrations often push the pedal to the metal, increasing the rate, while catalysts are like high-performance upgrades to the cars, allowing them to maintain high speeds without using up extra fuel.

Importantly, understanding these rates is not just academic; it's crucial for controlling reactions in industrial processes, predicting the behavior of environmental systems, and even in developing life-saving pharmaceuticals.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the effect on the equilibrium position if an exothermic reaction is carried out at a higher temperature? Does the net amount of product increase or decrease? Does the value of the equilibrium constant change if the temperature is increased? If so, how does it change?

For the reaction $$ 3 \mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \rightleftharpoons 2 \mathrm{O}_{3}(g) $$ The equilibrium constant, \(K\), has the value \(1.12 \times 10^{-54}\) at a particular temperature. a. What does the very small equilibrium constant indicate about the extent to which oxygen gas, \(\mathrm{O}_{2}(g),\) is converted to ozone gas, \(\mathrm{O}_{3}(g),\) at this temperature? b. If the equilibrium mixture is analyzed and \(\left[\mathrm{O}_{2}(g)\right]\) is found to be \(3.04 \times 10^{-2} \mathrm{M}\), what is the concentration of \(\mathrm{O}_{3}(g)\) in the mixture?

The three common silver halides ( \(\mathrm{AgCl}, \mathrm{AgBr},\) and \(\mathrm{AgI}\) ) are all sparingly soluble salts. Given the values for \(K_{\mathrm{sp}}\) for these salts below, calculate the concentration of silver ion, in \(\mathrm{mol} / \mathrm{L},\) in a saturated solution of each salt.

Explain why the development of a vapor pressure above a liquid in a closed container represents an equilibrium. What are the opposing processes? How do we recognize when the system has reached a state of equilibrium?

Hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and water vapor are in equilibrium in a closed container. Hydrogen gas is injected into the container, and the system is allowed to return to equilibrium. Which of the following occurs? Explain your answer. $$ 2 \mathrm{H}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \rightleftharpoons 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(g) $$ a. The concentration of oxygen gas remains constant. b. The value for \(K\) increases. c. The concentration of oxygen gas increases. d. The concentration of water vapor increases. e. The value for \(K\) decreases.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.