Chapter 17, Problem 14A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The reason due to which amount of product no longer increases even though large amount of reactants are present needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:Equilibrium is a state where there is no net change in the amounts of the reactants and products.

Chemical equilibrium can be defined as state of a system in which the concentration of the reactant and the concentration of the products do not change with time.

Equilibrium constant $K$ is defined as a ratio of the concentration of products to the concentration of the reactants.

The expression for equilibrium constant $K$

  $=\frac{\text{concentration of the products}}{\text{concentration of the reactants}}$

Answer to Problem 14A

Due to the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium reactants and products are formed at same rate.

Explanation of Solution

Equilibrium is dynamic in nature; it may appear that no change is happening. But actually, both forward and backward reaction occur at the same rate. Reactants combine to form the products and the products combine to form the reactants.

It seems that the reactants remain in mixture but actually reactants continuously convert into products and products continuously convert into reactants. So, overall we observe no change in the progress of the reaction.

Conclusion

Due to the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium reactants and products are formed at same rate.