Introduction to reversible chemical reactions
I can describe reversible chemical reactions, represent them using chemical equations, and give examples.
Introduction to reversible chemical reactions
I can describe reversible chemical reactions, represent them using chemical equations, and give examples.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Different types of arrows (→, ⇌) are used in chemical equations to indicate the nature of the reaction.
- Reversible reactions are symbolised using the double-headed arrow (⇌) in chemical equations.
- In a reversible reaction, both the forward and reverse reactions can occur under the right conditions.
- hydrated copper sulfate (blue) ⇌ anhydrous copper sulfate (white) + water
- ammonium chloride ⇌ ammonia + hydrogen chloride
Keywords
Reversible reaction - A chemical reaction where the reactants form products that, in turn, react together to reform the reactants.
Hydrated (salt) - A salt that contains water molecules within its crystal structure, shown by a dot in its formula, e.g. hydrated copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O).
Anhydrous (salt) - A salt that does not contain any water molecules in the crystal structure, e.g. anhydrous copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄).
Double-headed arrow (⇌) - Used to show that a chemical reaction is reversible.
Single-headed arrow (→) - Used to show the direction of an (irreversible) chemical reaction, showing that reactants form products.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that a reversible reaction will always go to completion in one direction before reversing.
Explain that in a reversible reaction, if the conditions allow it, both the forward and backward reaction can occur at the same time.
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Introduction to reversible chemical reactions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Introduction to reversible chemical reactions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Industrial chemistry unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Test tubes, clamp and stand, ammonium chloride, hydrated copper(II) sulfate, Bunsen burners, mineral wool, delivery tube and bung, ice bath.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
energy is transferred from the surroundings to the reaction
energy is transferred from the reaction to the surroundings
Exit quiz
6 Questions
reactants form products, and the reaction goes to completion
both forward and backward reactions occur under the correct conditions
contains water molecules in its crystal structure (dot in the formula)
does not contain any water molecules in the crystal structure