Final answer:
Chemical equilibrium is a dynamic process where the forward and reverse reactions proceed at equal rates, maintaining a constant concentration of reactants and products. It differs from just equilibrium, which can refer to balanced states in various contexts. An example is the equilibrium between nitrogen dioxide and dinitrogen tetroxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical equilibrium is a dynamic process that occurs when both the forward and reverse reactions of a chemical reaction proceed at equal rates. It is a state where the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time. The equilibrium position, whether it favors the reactants or the products, is determined by the reaction's characteristics.
Chemical equilibrium differs from just equilibrium in that it specifically refers to the balance between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Equilibrium, on the other hand, can refer to a balanced state in various contexts, such as physical equilibrium or thermal equilibrium.
For example, in a chemical equilibrium, consider the reaction between nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄). At equilibrium, the forward reaction converting N₂O₄ to NO₂ proceeds at the same rate as the reverse reaction converting NO₂ back to N₂O₄. This results in a constant concentration of both substances.