Chapter 17, Problem 15A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The reason for the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium has to be explained and the process that still goes on the system has to be given.

Concept Introduction:The term “Equilibrium” stands for balance (or) steadiness. In other words, chemical equilibrium can be defined as balancing two chemical/physical processes in exact way; the one of the process is the opposite of other.

A reaction is said to be chemical equilibrium, when the rates of the reactants and products are same.

Answer to Problem 15A

There would be no change in concentrations of reactants and products, and this contributes to dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium. The reaction keeps going because the rate of reaction in both the directions is same.

Explanation of Solution

In a reversible reaction, the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. The number of molecules of reactant being converted to products and the number of molecules of product being converted to products are same. This reaction is said to be in dynamic state of chemical equilibrium because the rate of forward reaction is same as the rate of the reverse reaction.

The reason for the dynamic nature of chemical equilibrium is that there is no change in the concentration of reactants and products. Nevertheless, the reaction keeps going because the rate of reaction is same in the forward and reverse direction.