AP Chemistry Flashcards: Direction of Reversible Reactions
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What determines the net direction in which a reversible reaction proceeds?
The net direction of a reversible reaction is determined by the relative rates of the forward and reverse reactions.
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What determines the net direction in which a reversible reaction proceeds?
The net direction of a reversible reaction is determined by the relative rates of the forward and reverse reactions.
Define chemical equilibrium in terms of reaction rates.
Chemical equilibrium is the state in which the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal.
What is meant by a 'net conversion of products to reactants'?
This means the reverse reaction is proceeding at a greater rate than the forward reaction, causing more products to turn back into reactants than are being formed.
A system is described as having equal forward and reverse reaction rates. What is the state of this system and what is the net conversion?
The system is at equilibrium, and there is no net conversion of reactants or products.
If you analyze a reaction mixture and find that the concentration of reactants is increasing over time, what does this imply about the reaction rates?
This implies that the rate of the reverse reaction is greater than the rate of the forward reaction, causing a net conversion of products to reactants.
What occurs when the forward reaction rate is greater than the reverse reaction rate?
When the forward reaction rate is greater than the reverse rate, there is a net conversion of reactants to products.
In a reversible reaction, the concentration of products is observed to be increasing. What can be inferred about the reaction rates?
It can be inferred that the rate of the forward reaction is currently greater than the rate of the reverse reaction.
How are the concepts of reaction rate and reaction direction linked in a reversible system?
The direction of the net reaction (towards products or reactants) is directly determined by which rate, forward or reverse, is greater at that moment.
What is the result of the reverse reaction rate being greater than the forward reaction rate?
If the reverse reaction rate is greater than the forward rate, there is a net conversion of products back into reactants.
Is there a net change in the amount of reactants and products when a system is at equilibrium?
No, at equilibrium there is no net conversion because the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal.