- Chemical equilibrium is a dynamic state where the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time.
- A fundamental requirement for this state is that the rate of the forward reaction must equal the rate of the reverse reaction.
- Other statements regarding the concentrations of reactants and products are not universally true, as they depend on the specific equilibrium constant and initial conditions.
- The correct statement is: \(\boxed{\text{The rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.}}\)
Explanation
- Analysis of Chemical Equilibrium
The given chemical system is described by the reaction:
\(N_2(g) + 3H_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2NH_3(g)\)
A chemical equilibrium occurs when the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal, meaning there is no net change in the concentration of reactants or products over time. This is a dynamic state where the reaction continues to proceed in both directions at the same rate.
Evaluating the options:
- "The rate of the forward reaction is greater than the rate of the reverse reaction": This describes a system that has not yet reached equilibrium (moving towards the right).
- "The concentration of \(NH_3\) equals the concentration of \(N_2\)": This is not necessarily true at equilibrium; it depends on the initial conditions and the value of the equilibrium constant \(K_c\).
- "The rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction": This is the fundamental definition of a system at chemical equilibrium.
- "The concentration of \(NH_3\) is greater than the concentration of \(N_2\)": Like option 2, this is not necessarily true for all equilibrium states and depends on the reaction conditions.
Therefore, the only statement that must be true for any system at equilibrium is that the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.
- Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the statement that correctly defines the condition of the equilibrium system is that the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction. The other statements are either characteristic of a non-equilibrium state or are dependent on specific conditions rather than being universal properties of equilibrium systems.
The correct statement is: The rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.
Examples
Chemical equilibrium is a vital concept in industrial chemistry, such as the Haber process which produces ammonia (\(NH_3\)) for fertilizers. By understanding that equilibrium is a dynamic state where reaction rates are equal, engineers can adjust temperature, pressure, and concentration to shift the reaction towards the product, ensuring efficient production while accounting for the reversible nature of the reaction. This fundamental principle allows for the optimization of large-scale chemical manufacturing.