Equilibrium Point

Definition

The equilibrium point in a chemical reaction is the state where the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time because the rate of their formation equals the rate of their consumption.

Analogy

Think of a game of tug-of-war. When both teams are equally strong, neither side moves. They're at an equilibrium point - just like when the rates of forward and reverse reactions in chemistry are equal.

Related terms

Le Chatelier's Principle: This principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing conditions, the system responds to restore it.

Equilibrium Constant (K): This is a number that expresses the relationship between concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium in a reversible chemical reaction.

Dynamic Equilibrium: A state where forward and reverse processes occur at equal rates, so there appears to be no net change.