Chemistry / Unit 10 Chem 1746 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Equilibrium as a Consequence of Kinetics
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The idea
A reaction approaches equilibrium because its forward rate falls as reactants deplete while its reverse rate rises as products accumulate, until the two rates meet.
In practice
A forward reaction starts fast with only reactants present, slowing as the reverse reaction speeds up, until neither rate changes further.
Where people slip
Equilibrium is not a reaction stopping; both rates continue, only their difference reaches zero.
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