7.2 Direction of Reversible Reactions

Explain the relationship between the direction in which a reversible reaction proceeds and the relative rates of the forward and reverse reactions.

• If the rate of the forward reaction is greater than the reverse reaction, then there is a net conversion of reactants to products. If the rate of the reverse reaction is greater than that of the forward reaction, then there is a net conversion of products to reactants. An equilibrium state is reached when these rates are equal.