Endless Facts, One Snippet at a Time
Chemical Equilibrium Explained in Simple Terms
- Chemical equilibrium happens when a reaction goes forward and backward at the same rate.
- At equilibrium, the amounts of reactants and products stay constant.
- It doesn’t mean the reaction has stopped—just that it’s balanced.
- The double arrow (⇌) in equations shows equilibrium is possible.
- Le Chatelier’s Principle predicts how changes shift equilibrium.
- Increasing concentration pushes the reaction toward the opposite side.
- Raising temperature favors the endothermic direction of a reversible reaction.
- Changing pressure affects equilibria involving gases.
- Industrial processes like the Haber process rely on equilibrium control.
- Equilibrium shows how chemistry naturally seeks balance.