Question

What does it mean to say that chemical equilibrium is a dynamic process?

Short answer

Chemical equilibrium being a dynamic process means that the forward and reverse reactions in a chemical system are continuously occurring at equal rates, maintaining constant concentrations of reactants and products over time. Despite no net change in concentrations, both reactions are constantly happening and can adjust to changes in factors like temperature, pressure, or concentration by shifting the equilibrium position, as described by Le Chatelier's principle.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Chemical Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium is a state in which the concentrations of reactants and products in a chemical reaction remain constant over time. In this state, the rate at which the reactants are converted into products is equal to the rate at which the products are converted back into reactants.

Dynamic Process

A dynamic process means that the reaction is continuously happening, even though there may be no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products. In other words, the forward and reverse reactions are constantly occurring at equal rates, maintaining a constant ratio of reactant and product concentrations.

Relation between Forward and Reverse Reaction Rates

In a chemical equilibrium, the forward reaction rate (converting reactants to products) is equal to the reverse reaction rate (converting products back to reactants). This balance in reaction rates is what keeps the concentrations of reactants and products constant over time, even though both reactions are constantly happening.

Factors Affecting the Equilibrium

Although the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant in a system at equilibrium, changes in factors like temperature, pressure, or concentration can cause the equilibrium to shift. The system will adjust to these changes by altering the rates of the forward and reverse reactions, until a new state of equilibrium is reached. This is described by the Le Chatelier's principle.

Conclusion

To say that chemical equilibrium is a dynamic process means that the forward and reverse reactions are continuously happening at equal rates, keeping the concentrations of reactants and products constant over time. This process is dynamic because both reactions are always occurring, and the system can adjust to changes in conditions by shifting the equilibrium position.