In a reversible reaction, chemical equilibrium is attained when ?

1. Rate of the forward reaction is greater than the rate of the reverse reaction.
2. Rate of the reverse reaction is greater than the rate of the forward reaction,
3. Concentration of the reactants reaches zero OR
4. Concentration of the products remains constant. i think its 4, right ?

In the context of the question, I would pick 4 but ONLY because 1,2, and 3 clearly are incorrect which means 4 is the only viable one to pick. However, I would quarrel with that answer, too, because, equilibrium is reached when the rate of the fwd rxn = rate of reverse reaction. Technically, then, the concn of of the products is changing (if only by a VERY SNALL amount). The point we try to get across to students is that equilibrium is a dynamic process; i.e., it is not a stationary state in which nothing is happening in the reaction. The reaction has not stopped. Reactants still are producing products and products still are forming reactants. The net amounts don't change.

Actually, the correct answer is 1. Rate of the forward reaction is greater than the rate of the reverse reaction.

Chemical equilibrium is a dynamic state where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. It's important to note that equilibrium does not mean that the concentrations of reactants and products are equal or that the concentrations reach zero. Instead, it means that the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time, although they may not be equal.

To achieve equilibrium, the forward and reverse reactions must both continue, but at the same rate. If the rate of the forward reaction is greater than the rate of the reverse reaction, the system will not be at equilibrium and the concentrations of reactants will decrease while the concentrations of products increase. On the other hand, if the rate of the reverse reaction is greater, the concentrations of reactants will increase while the concentrations of products decrease. Only when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions become equal, and there is no net change in concentration, is equilibrium reached.

The correct answer is 2. In a reversible reaction, chemical equilibrium is attained when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. This means that both reactions are occurring at the same rate, and there is no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products.