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Reversible Reactions
Revision Questions
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When a reaction is reversible,
it means that it can go both forwards
and backwards.
The forward
reaction is the one we want,
in which reactants are converted into products.
The backward reaction is where the products
become changed back into the original reactants.
Reactions in both directions occur at the same time.
If the forward reaction
is exothermic
then the backward reaction
is endothermic.
The amount of heat (energy)
transferred in
the forward reaction is the same as the amount of
heat
(energy) transferred
in the backward reaction.
In a closed
system, after awhile an
equilibrium mixture
is reached
where a certain proportion of the
mixture
exists as reactants and the rest exists as products.
A closed
system means that
none of the products or
reactants can escape to the outside environment.
It is like being inside a bottle with a cork in
the top.
The term closed system has a different meaning in physics.
When equilibrium has been reached,
it does not mean that the reactions have stopped.
It means that the forward reaction is
making products
at
the same rate that the
backward reaction is
making
reactants. It is said to be a dynamic
equilibrium.
Dynamic means
moving or
changing. The word dynamic
reminds you that the reaction has not
stopped.
Links
Reversible Reactions
Revision Questions
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