Consider the reaction:
[tex]2 SO_2(g)+O_2(g) \longleftrightarrow 2 SO_3(g)[/tex]
When does the given chemical system reach dynamic equilibrium?
A. When the rate of the forward reaction is higher that the rate of the reverse reaction
B. When the concentration of the reactants is high than the concentration of the products
C. When the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal
Answer (2)
Dynamic equilibrium occurs when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.
At equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant.
The reaction continues in both directions, but the net change is zero.
Therefore, the system reaches dynamic equilibrium when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. $\boxed{When the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal}
Explanation
Understanding Dynamic Equilibrium In a chemical reaction, dynamic equilibrium is a state where the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. This means that the formation of products from reactants occurs at the same rate as the formation of reactants from products.
Analyzing the Options When the rate of the forward reaction is higher than the rate of the reverse reaction, the system is not at equilibrium because more products are being formed than reactants. Similarly, if the concentration of reactants is higher than the concentration of products, it doesn't necessarily indicate equilibrium unless the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.
Conclusion The system reaches dynamic equilibrium when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. At this point, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant, although the reaction continues to occur in both directions.
Examples
Consider a scenario where you're making a reversible LEGO structure. Dynamic equilibrium is achieved when the rate at which you're adding LEGO bricks to build the structure is the same as the rate at which you're taking them apart. Although the building and dismantling continue, the overall structure remains stable. This concept applies to various real-world scenarios, such as maintaining stable atmospheric conditions or regulating the pH levels in your body, where forward and reverse processes balance each other out.
The given chemical system reaches dynamic equilibrium when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. Therefore, the correct answer is option C. At this point, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant, even as the reactions continue to occur.
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