Chemical equilibrium and dynamic equilibrium are two types of reactions in chemistry. Although these terms sound similar, they aren’t exactly the same.
What is the difference between chemical equilibrium and dynamic equilibrium? Chemical equilibrium focuses on the balance between reactants and products in a chemical reaction, whereas dynamic equilibrium is a concept that applies to any system where two opposing processes occur at equal rates.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Chemical Equilibrium
– Definition, Features
2. What is Dynamic Equilibrium
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamic Equilibrium
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamic Equilibrium
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamic Equilibrium
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Chemical Equilibrium, Dynamic Equilibrium
What is Chemical Equilibrium
A system is said to be in equilibrium when the rates of forward reaction and backward reaction are equal in a chemical process. Here, the concentrations of reactants and products are constant over time. This means that the forward and backward reactions are occurring at the same pace. This equilibrium is a dynamic process. There is no net change in the concentration of reactants and products, though the reactions continue to occur. The concentration, temperature, and pH determine the position of the equilibrium. For example, when the temperature rises, equilibrium may favor the endothermic reaction, and when the concentration of reactants is increased, the equilibrium may shift to the product side.
The concept of chemical equilibrium is used in many fields. In industrial processes, it is used in the optimization of product yield, the Haber-Bosch process, and the sulfuric acid process. In environmental chemistry, it is used in acid base equilibria, solubility equilibria, and carbon dioxide equilibrium. Moreover, in biochemistry, it is used in enzyme kinetics, pH regulation, and oxygen transport. In analytical chemistry, it is used in spectrophotometry and in titrations.
What is Dynamic Equilibrium
Dynamic equilibrium is a state where two opposing processes occur at equal rates and where no net change occurs with time. Though it seems that nothing is happening at this state, the system is active at the microscopic level.
Dynamic equilibrium usually occurs in reversible reactions. For example, take reaction A + B ⇌ C + D. Initially, reactants A and B collide to form products C and D. The rate of the reverse reaction (C + D reforming A + B) also increases as the concentration of products increases. Finally, the forward and reverse reaction rates become equal. This is called the dynamic equilibrium state of the system. In static equilibrium, there is no movement or change at all. Dynamic equilibrium is characterized by continuous movement and change occurring at equal rates.
The process of dynamic equilibrium is used at the industrial level in industrial processes, drug delivery, and environmental chemistry. In biology, it is seen in respiration, enzyme kinetics, and osmosis.
Similarities Between Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamic Equilibrium
- Both have constant macroscopic conditions.
- Both are opposing processes.
- They have equal rates. The rates of the opposing processes are equal.
- There is no net change in the overall composition of the system in both processes.
Difference Between Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamic Equilibrium
Definition
- Chemical equilibrium refers to a state in a chemical reaction where the concentrations of reactants and products, while dynamic equilibrium is a broader concept that can apply to any reversible process, not just chemical reactions.
Nature
- Even though the reaction in chemical equilibrium appears to have stopped, both the forward and reverse reactions continue to occur at equal rates. Dynamic equilibrium, on the other hand, involves the continuous occurrence of two opposite processes, such as evaporation and condensation, with no observable macroscopic changes.
System
- Chemical equilibrium is achieved only in a closed system, while dynamic equilibrium can be achieved in both closed and open systems.
Factors
- In chemical equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant but are not necessarily equal. Dynamic equilibrium may involve constant pressures, concentrations, or other measurable quantities, depending on the nature of the system.
Conclusion
The main difference between chemical equilibrium and dynamic equilibrium is that chemical equilibrium focuses on the balance between reactants and products in a chemical reaction, whereas dynamic equilibrium is a concept that applies to any system where two opposing processes occur at equal rates. In simple words, chemical equilibrium is a dynamic equilibrium. Both concepts talk about the equilibrium of a system.
FAQ: Chemical Equilibrium and Dynamic Equilibrium
1. What is the difference between chemical equilibrium and homeostasis?
Chemical equilibrium is a state where forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, maintaining constant concentrations. Homeostasis is a concept where an organism actively regulates its internal environment to maintain stability, mainly involving multiple chemical equilibria.
2. What are the two types of equilibria?
There are two main types of equilibria: static and dynamic. Static equilibrium occurs when an object is at rest, and all forces acting on it are balanced. Dynamic equilibrium exists when two opposing processes occur at equal rates, like in a chemical reaction.
3. What is an example of dynamic equilibrium?
A puddle of water evaporating and condensing at the same rate is an example of dynamic equilibrium. The water molecules continuously change from liquid to gas and back, maintaining a constant water level despite ongoing activity.
4. What is an example of chemical equilibrium?
Chemical equilibrium occurs when forward and reverse reactions balance. Examples include water vapor forming and condensing, carbon dioxide dissolving in soda, and hemoglobin binding and releasing oxygen in the blood.
Reference:
1. “Chemical Equilibrium.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “CNX Chem 13 01 equilibrium” By OpenStax –(CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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