Many reactions are reversible meaning they can be undone.

Examples:
1. Phase changes: you can freeze water and then melt it back.
2. Dissolution: dissolve salt- evaporate the water and you get
the salt back.
3. Many chemical changes: in particular redox and acid-base
= =
processes.

± note the double arrow

When dealing with reactions we note the process from left to

right as the forward reaction.

When dealing with reactions we note the process from right to

left as the reverse reaction.
=
Hz Ou, IT H2O Ig)
Over time, the forward and backwards reactions begin to proceed at an
equal rate- we call this equilibrium. At equilibrium, the concentrations
-

of reactants and products become constant.

CRITICAL NOTE: The reaction NEVER actually stops - it just

-

proceeds forward and backwards equally.

-

ttihange
1. This reaction would... y
O
a. release energy
b. absorb energy
c. really? we literally just took this test

2. At what point does the reaction reach

equilibrium?
l start reactants
①
. w -

a. t1 b. t2 c. t3
d. it does not reach equilibrium.
Prior to reaching equilibrium...

If the rate of a forward reactions is greater than the reverse,

meaning there is a net (total) gain in products we say the

fyI÷%
=
forward reaction is favored. .

If the rate of a forward reaction is less than that of the reverse,

meaning there is a net (total) gain in reactants we say the
reverse reaction is favored.

-78
Again, once we reach equilibrium the rates become equal
BUT the concentrations of reactants and products DO NOT
need to be equal- only the rates.
anges
iconcent .