Science glossary film: Equilibrium

A reversible chemical reaction reaches equilibrium when the concentrations of the reactants and products are constant. The particles are still reacting, so the term dynamic equilibrium is often used. However, because the rate of the forward reaction is in balance with the rate of the reverse reaction, there is no overall change. Altering external factors such as pressure and temperature can affect an equilibrium.

The particles are still reacting, so the term dynamic equilibrium is often used. However, because the rate of the forward reaction is in balance with the rate of the reverse reaction, there is no overall change. Altering external factors such as pressure and temperature can affect an equilibrium.