What characteristics define a chemical system in equilibrium?

1 Answer
Jul 6, 2016

Equality of forward and reverse rates.

Explanation:

For the reaction,

#A+BrarrC+D#;

there is a forward rate, #K_f[A][B]#; and a reverse rate, #K_r[C][D]#.

Equilibrium is defined the equality of forward and reverse rates.

i.e. #K_f[A][B]##=##K_r[C][D]#

Or, #K_f/K_r# #=# #([C][D])/([A][B])#

And #K_f/K_r# #=# #K_(eq)#, #"the equilibrium constant"#.