Chemical Equilibrium – Types, Conditions, Examples and Importance

Chemical Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium is a state in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. The forward and reverse reactions are both chemical reactions that occur at the same time and in the same place.

There are three types of chemical equilibrium:

1. Chemical equilibrium in a closed system
2. Chemical equilibrium in a reversible reaction
3. Chemical equilibrium in a reaction with a finite rate

• Chemical equilibrium in a closed system is a state in which the concentrations of the reactants and products do not change with time.
• In a reversible reaction is a state in which the forward and also the reverse reactions are both equilibrium reactions.
• Chemical equilibrium in a reaction with a finite rate is a state in which the forward and also the reverse reactions are not equilibrium reactions.

Equilibrium Meaning in Chemistry

The term equilibrium refers to the balance between opposing chemical reactions in a solution. In a state of equilibrium, the speed of both the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in no net change in the concentration of the reactants or products.

Define Equilibrium

In chemistry, equilibrium is the state of balance between opposing processes. It is a dynamic state, meaning that it is not static, but always in flux. In equilibrium, the rates of the forward and reverse processes are equal.

Homogeneous Chemical Equilibrium

In a chemical equilibrium, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. Therefore this means that the concentrations of the reactants and products do not change with time.

Heterogeneous Chemical Equilibrium

In heterogeneous chemical equilibrium, the reactants and products are not all in the same phase. There are two types of heterogeneous chemical equilibrium:

• Solid-liquid equilibrium: In this type of equilibrium, the reactants and products are in different phases, but both are in contact with each other. The most common example is the equilibrium between a solid and also a liquid, such as the equilibrium between water and ice.
• Gas-liquid equilibrium: In this type of equilibrium, the reactants and products are in different phases, and they are not in contact with each other. The most common example is the equilibrium between a gas and a liquid, such as the equilibrium between water vapor and liquid water.

Conditions for Equilibrium

In order for a system to be in equilibrium, the following three conditions must be met:

• The net force on the system is zero.
• The net torque on the system is zero.
• The system is in a state of constant velocity.

Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibrium

The following are the factors affecting chemical equilibrium:

• Concentration of the reactants and products
• Temperature
• Pressure
• And also physical state of the reactants and products

Examples of Chemical Equilibrium

The following are examples of chemical equilibrium:

• The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water is in equilibrium.
• Reaction between carbon dioxide and also water to form carbonic acid is in equilibrium.
• The reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen to form ammonia is in equilibrium.

Importance of Chemical Equilibrium

The importance of chemical equilibrium is that it allows chemical reactions to take place at a constant rate. However, without chemical equilibrium, the rate of reaction would be constantly changing, making it difficult to produce products consistently.