Equilibrium is established in a reversible reaction when:
A)the [product] = [reactants]
B)rate of reaction of products = rate of reaction of reactants
C)all the reactants dissolve or dissociate
D)products are no longer produced
b although I don't like the way it is stated.
To determine the correct answer, let's break down each option and see which one applies to the establishment of equilibrium in a reversible reaction.
A) The [product] = [reactants]
This statement suggests that equilibrium is established when the concentrations of the products and reactants are equal. However, this is not always true. Equilibrium is achieved when the forward and backward reactions occur at the same rate, regardless of the concentrations of the reactants and products. So, option A is not the correct answer.
B) Rate of reaction of products = rate of reaction of reactants
This statement accurately describes the establishment of equilibrium. In a reversible reaction, equilibrium is achieved when the rate of the forward reaction (from reactants to products) is equal to the rate of the backward reaction (from products to reactants). This means that the concentrations of the reactants and products may or may not be equal, but the rates of their formation and consumption are balanced. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
C) All the reactants dissolve or dissociate
The dissolution or dissociation of reactants does not necessarily determine the establishment of equilibrium. Equilibrium depends on the balanced rates of the forward and backward reactions, not just the dissolution or dissociation of the reactants. So, option C is not the correct answer.
D) Products are no longer produced
If products are no longer produced, it means that the forward reaction has stopped completely. This scenario does not represent equilibrium. Equilibrium is characterized by the continuous occurrence of both forward and backward reactions, where the rates of both reactions are equal. So, option D is not the correct answer.
In conclusion, the correct answer is B) Rate of reaction of products = rate of reaction of reactants.