Chapter 17, Problem 43A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The effect on the reactants and products at equilibrium needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

When a reaction is at chemical equilibrium it does not stop but the formation of reactants becomes equal to the formation of products.

Answer to Problem 43A

At equilibrium the concentrations of reactants and products become stable and stop changing.

As for the reactant and product molecules they still keep reacting and reforming but their number remains constant.

Explanation of Solution

When a system achieves chemical equilibrium, the rate of reverse reactions become equal to the rate of forward reactions. So the concentrations effectively stop changing although the molecules still keep reacting and reforming.

Conclusion

At equilibrium the concentrations of the reactants and the products become constant.