Key learning points

1. At equilibrium, both reactants and products are formed at the same rate.
2. Amounts of reactants and products remain constant at equilibrium.
3. Equilibrium can only occur in a closed system.

Keywords

• Dynamic equilibrium - occurs in a closed system when the forward and backward reactions of a reversible chemical reaction occur at the same rate; and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.

• Reaction rate - is the speed with which a chemical reaction takes place, measured by the amount of a reactant used or amount of product formed in a given time.

• Closed system - is one in which matter cannot enter or leave the observed environment, allowing only energy transfer between the system and its surrounding environment.

Common misconception