Question

Which statement describes a chemical reaction at equilibrium?

a) Reactant molecules and product molecules have the same velocity.
b) Molecules of reactants and products collide with the same frequency.
c) The concentrations of reactants and products are equimolar.
d) Reactants and products are consumed and formed at the same rate.

Answer 1

The correct statement that describes a chemical reaction at equilibrium is that reactants and products are consumed and formed at the same rate, indicating a dynamic equilibrium state.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that describes a chemical reaction at equilibrium is d) Reactants and products are consumed and formed at the same rate. Chemical equilibrium is a state in which a reversible reaction occurs at equal rates in both its forward and reverse directions, leading to no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products over time. This is referred to as a dynamic equilibrium. While at equilibrium, the system is in a state of balance, but this does not necessarily imply that the concentrations of reactants and products are the same; rather, they are constant. The equilibrium constant, K, is a mathematical representation of the ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations at equilibrium, and is specific to each chemical reaction.