Question

Explain how these statements differ, and identify which one(s) is/are correct. Explain what is wrong with each incorrect statement. Explain when chemical reactions continue and when they stop.

A. A chemical reaction proceeds until the enzyme molecules are all consumed.
B. A chemical reaction proceeds until the substrate molecules are all consumed.
C. A chemical reaction proceeds until equilibrium is established.
D. A chemical reaction proceeds until all the product molecules are removed.

Answer 1

A chemical reaction proceeds until equilibrium is established. Enzyme and substrate molecules are not consumed in the reaction. The reaction stops when the rate of the forward and reverse reactions balanced.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement out of the options provided is C. A chemical reaction proceeds until equilibrium is established. This is because equilibrium is a state in which the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products.

A is incorrect because enzyme molecules are not consumed in a chemical reaction. Enzymes are catalysts that facilitate the reaction without being consumed themselves.

B is incorrect because substrate molecules are also not consumed in a chemical reaction. Substrates are the reactants that bind to the active site of an enzyme to undergo a reaction.

D is incorrect because a chemical reaction does not necessarily continue until all the product molecules are removed. It depends on the reaction and the conditions.

Chemical reactions continue until equilibrium is established when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction. At this point, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time.