A reversible reaction is a chemical reaction that can proceed in both directions:
- Forward reaction: Reactants combine to form products.
- Reverse reaction: Products can react to form the original reactants.
Key points:
- Represented with a double arrow (⇌) in chemical equations.
- In a closed system, reversible reactions can reach chemical equilibrium, where the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal.
- Many reversible reactions are dynamic, meaning molecules continuously react even when concentrations appear constant.
Example:
- Haber process: Nitrogen + Hydrogen ⇌ Ammonia
- Dissolving salt in water: Sodium chloride ⇌ Sodium ions + Chloride ions