How do you know if a reaction has reached equilibrium?
To know if a reaction has reached equilibrium, you need to measure the concentrations of reactants and products and compare them to the equilibrium constant (Kc).
At equilibrium, the rate of the forward and reverse reactions are equal and the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant. If the concentrations of the reactants and products do not change over time, the reaction is at equilibrium.
Another way to know if a reaction has reached equilibrium is to observe the physical changes in the system. At equilibrium, there is no visible change in the system such as the color or physical state of the reactants or products.
Lastly, it is important to note that not all reactions reach equilibrium under normal conditions. Some reactions may be kinetically limited, which means the reaction may be too slow to reach equilibrium even under normal conditions.