Which quantities are equal in a dynamic equilibrium?

The rate of the forward reaction (or process) in a dynamic equilibrium process is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction (process).

Assume, for instance, that you add enough salt to a beaker filled with 100 mL of water such that no more salt will dissolve and that some salt is visible at the bottom of the beaker in the solid state. Individual Na+ and Cl− ions may alternate between the dissolved and solid states; the two processes depicted below are occurring simultaneously and at an equal rate.

Cl−(aq) + Na+(aq) -> NaCl(s) AND Cl−(aq) + Na+(aq) -> NaCl(s)

Visit https://tutor.hix.ai to try out the simulation.

As time passes, you will see some of the ions leave the salt crystal (solid NaCl) and other ions that were free in solution bond onto the crystal. Use the salt shaker to add salt until you see some of the Na and Cl ions remain bonded together.

Noel P.

In a dynamic equilibrium, the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, and as a result, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time.