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Give examples of both physical and chemical instances of a dynamic equilibrium.

User Dotcomly
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A physical example of dynamic equilibrium is the phase change of water at 0°C, where melting ice and freezing water occur at equal rates. Chemically, dynamic equilibrium is exemplified by the reversible reaction between N₂O₄ and NO₂, as well as the oxygen binding with hemoglobin in blood, which both involve equilibrated forward and reverse reaction rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Physical and Chemical Dynamic Equilibria Examples

Dynamic equilibrium in physical processes can be seen in the phase change of water. Take melting ice for example: at 0°C, ice melts to water at the same rate that water freezes to ice, maintaining a balance between the solid and liquid phase. This equilibrium is termed physical because it involves a change in the state of the matter without altering the chemical identity of water.

In the realm of chemistry, consider the reversible reaction of dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) dissociating into nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). At equilibrium, the rate of decomposition of N₂O₄ into NO₂ is equal to the rate of the reaction of NO₂ molecules to form N₂O₄. Here the equilibrium is chemical as it involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.

Another chemical example is the binding of oxygen (O₂) with hemoglobin (Hb) in blood, where the uptake of oxygen by hemoglobin and the release of oxygen from hemoglobin occur at the same rate. This ensures that a balance is maintained in the amount of oxygen carried by the blood.

User Ddario
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