Chapter 18, Problem 64A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: When a chemical equilibrium has been reached, the rates of forward and backward reactions need to be compared.

Concept introduction: The rate at which a chemical reaction occurs is referred to as its reaction rate. It is expressed as either the concentration of a reactant that is consumed or the concentration of a product that is generated in a unit of time.

Answer to Problem 64A

The rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal when the chemical system is in a state of equilibrium.

Explanation of Solution

When chemical equilibrium is reached, the rate at which products break down is equal to the rate at which reactants combine. Chemical equilibrium is a state in which both forward and reverse processes continue, but the concentrations of the reaction components do not vary. This is due to the rates of both the forward and reverse reactions being equal at chemical equilibrium.

Conclusion

The rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal when the chemical system is in a state of equilibrium.