Identify the true statement about the rate of the forward and reverse reaction once a reaction has reached equilibrium. (a) The rate of the forward reaction and the reverse reaction is zero. (b) The rate of the forward reaction is greater than the rate of the reverse reaction. (c) The rate of the reverse reaction is greater than the rate of the forward reaction. (d) The rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction.

Key Concepts

Chemical Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium occurs in a reversible reaction when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions become equal, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products. At this point, the system is in a state of balance, and the concentrations remain constant over time.

Reaction Rates

The rate of a reaction refers to the speed at which reactants are converted into products. In a reversible reaction, the forward rate is the speed of the reaction forming products, while the reverse rate is the speed of the reaction forming reactants. Understanding these rates is crucial for analyzing the behavior of a system at equilibrium.

Dynamic Nature of Equilibrium

Equilibrium is dynamic, meaning that even though the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant, both the forward and reverse reactions continue to occur at equal rates. This dynamic balance is essential for understanding how systems respond to changes in conditions, such as concentration, temperature, or pressure.