Question

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

Short answer

Equilibrium can be defined as the balance of two processes, one of which is the opposite of the other, resulting in no net change in the system and maintaining a stable state.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Equilibrium

Equilibrium refers to a state in which opposing forces or processes are in balance, and there is no net change in the system.

Identify the processes

In this case, we need to identify two processes, one of which is the opposite of the other. These processes must be related to each other, and when combined, they result in a balanced state called equilibrium.

Describe the equilibrium

Equilibrium is reached when the rate of the first process is equal to the rate of the second process (the opposite process). As a result, there is no net change in the system and the system remains stable.

Formulate the definition

Based on the information from Steps 1 and 2, equilibrium can be defined as the balance of two processes, one of which is the opposite of the other. This balance results in no net change in the system, and the system remains in a stable state.

Key concepts

opposing processes

In the context of equilibrium, opposing processes are two events or activities that work against each other. One process moves in a particular direction, while the opposite process works in the reverse direction. When considering chemical reactions, one example is the forward and reverse reactions happening simultaneously.

• In a chemical equilibrium, the rate at which reactants are converted into products is equal to the rate at which products revert back to reactants.
• This continuous action where each process counterbalances the other is the core of equilibrium.

Imagine you're filling a bathtub with water while the drain is open. If water enters and exits the tub at the same speed, the water level stays constant—perfectly illustrating opposing processes balancing out.

balance

Balance in equilibrium means maintaining a steady state in a system, thanks to the equal activity of opposing processes. This concept is crucial because it explains why no net change is observed in the system over time.

• With balance, every addition is met with a subtraction, and vice versa, maintaining the system's state.
• This results in a dynamic consistency, where changes are constantly happening yet remain even.

Think of a balanced seesaw at a playground. When children of equal weight are on either side, the seesaw stays level. This is similar to equilibrium, where the steady movement ensures no overall shift.

stability

Stability is a hallmark of a system in equilibrium. When a system reaches equilibrium, it does not experience any net change unless disturbed by an external force.

• The stability arises due to the balance of opposing processes.
• Even if small perturbations occur, the system usually returns to equilibrium if undisturbed further.

Think of stability like a spinning top. As long as there are no additional forces, the top remains upright and stable. In the same way, a system in equilibrium remains stable, thanks to continuous but balanced processes.

system

A system in the realm of equilibrium refers to any set of interacting components, whether in physical, chemical, or biological settings. The concept of a system is integral because it is within this boundary that opposing processes occur and achieve balance.

• A system could be as simple as a liquid in a closed container or as complex as the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Each system has boundaries through which energy or material may be exchanged.

Understanding a system involves recognizing all contributing parts and their interactions, similar to seeing how all the gears in a machine work together to make it function smoothly.