Question

In a reverse reaction, products are formed from reactants and reactants are formed from products. When they yield the same amount,

A) chemical equilibrium is reached

B) it is called the law of mass action

C) activation energy is released

D) the reaction is irreversible

Answer 1

In a reversible reaction, when the forward and reverse reactions yield the same amount, chemical equilibrium is reached and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a reversible chemical reaction occurs, such as A+B ⇌ C+D, both the forward and reverse reactions happen simultaneously. At a certain point, the reaction can reach a state where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, and the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time. This state is known as chemical equilibrium.


Importantly, the constant concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium do not indicate equal amounts; rather, it means that their concentrations are not changing because the forward and reverse reactions are proceeding at the same rate. Thus, the correct answer to what happens when the forward and reverse reactions yield the same amount is A) chemical equilibrium is reached.