Chemical Equilibrium Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Chemical Equilibrium

Subject: Chemistry

Book: General Chemistry

At equilibrium, the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal, so the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time. The equilibrium constant (K) expresses the ratio of product to reactant concentrations, each raised to their stoichiometric coefficients. Le Châtelier’s principle describes how a system at equilibrium responds to disturbances (changes in concentration, temperature, or pressure). Equilibrium concepts guide industrial processes like the Haber–Bosch method for ammonia synthesis.