weirdfacts
Year 12 / Dynamic equilibrium

Still changing. Staying the same.

A closed system can exchange energy with its surroundings, but not matter. In a reversible reaction, products can react to regenerate reactants. A sealed container allows both processes to continue.

At dynamic equilibrium the forward and reverse rates are equal and non-zero. Concentrations become constant, but they do not have to be equal. A flat concentration graph therefore does not mean the particles have stopped reacting.

The model below represents A ⇌ B with a fixed total particle count. Change the relative preference for B and follow the new balance. Particle motion is schematic; the curve uses a reversible first-order model.

INTERACTIVE MODEL

A balance that keeps moving

Orange: A · Blue: B · Particles continue to move00.250.50.751TimeConcentrationAB
[A] = 0.344 M · [B] = 0.656 M

Illustrative A ⇌ B model in a closed system; total concentration 1.00 mol L⁻¹. Ratio K = [B]/[A]. Not a model of any particular industrial reaction.

A ⇌ B at equilibrium: rateforward = ratereverse
Assumed knowledge

Concentration is amount per volume. A flat graph has zero gradient.

Learning checkpoints & sourceYOUR SYLLABUS CHECKPOINT
  • Distinguish open and closed systems.
  • Explain equilibrium using rates and concentrations.
  • Read concentration–time graphs.
QCAA Chemistry 2025 v1.3 · p. 32
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