When a reaction is at chemical equilibrium, what is true about the forward and reverse reactions?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 10, 2016

The condition of equilibrium specifies equality between forward and reverse rates.

Explanation:

A+BrightleftharpoonsC+D

There is a rate forward, k_f[A][B], and a rate backward, k_r[C][D].

At "equilibrium" these rates are equal, i.e.

k_f[A][B]=k_r[C][D], on rearrangement,

k_f/k_r=([C][D])/([A][B])

The quotient, k_f/k_r, is better know as K_"eq", the equilibrium constant. It must be experimentally measured.

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