Chapter 4, Problem 4.124P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The molecular level change when acetic acid is dissolved in water is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Equilibrium is that state of a reaction when the rate of forward reaction that leads to product formation is the same as the rate of backward reaction that leads to reactant formation. The concentration of the species present in the reaction remains constant at equilibrium. The general representation of a reversible reaction is:

$\text{A}\left(g\right)+\text{B}\left(g\right)\rightleftharpoons \text{C}\left(g\right)+\text{D}\left(g\right)$

Acetic acid $\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{COOH}\right)$ is a weak acid that does not dissociate completely into the ions when dissolved in water.