Dynamic Equilibrium — GCSE Chemistry Revision
Revise Dynamic Equilibrium for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Le Chatelier's PrincipleWhat is Dynamic Equilibrium?
Dynamic equilibrium occurs in a closed system when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. At equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant, but the reactions have not stopped. The 'dynamic' part means that both reactions are still occurring.
Board notes: Dynamic equilibrium is a higher-tier topic for all boards. It is crucial for understanding Le Chatelier's principle and industrial processes like the Haber process. You must be able to define it in terms of reaction rates and constant concentrations in a closed system.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
In a sealed bottle of fizzy drink, an equilibrium exists between the dissolved carbon dioxide and the gaseous carbon dioxide: CO₂(aq) ⇌ CO₂(g). The rate at which CO₂ dissolves is equal to the rate at which it escapes from the solution, so the pressure remains constant.
Mini lesson for Dynamic Equilibrium
1. Understand the core idea
Dynamic equilibrium occurs in a closed system when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. At equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant, but the reactions have not stopped.
Can you explain Dynamic Equilibrium without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
In a sealed bottle of fizzy drink, an equilibrium exists between the dissolved carbon dioxide and the gaseous carbon dioxide: CO₂(aq) ⇌ CO₂(g). The rate at which CO₂ dissolves is equal to the rate at which it escapes from the solution, so the pressure remains constant.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in GCSE Rate & Extent of Chemical Change.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Thinking that equilibrium means the reaction has stopped. It is a dynamic process, with both forward and reverse reactions continuing at the same rate.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
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Dynamic Equilibrium practice questions
These are original StudyVector questions for revision practice. They are not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one GCSE sentence, explain what Dynamic Equilibrium is testing.
Answer: Dynamic equilibrium occurs in a closed system when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. At equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant, but the reactions have not stopped.
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A Dynamic Equilibrium question uses an unfamiliar context. What should the answer do before adding detail?
Answer: It should name the process, variable, equation, particle model, or evidence being tested, then explain the result using precise scientific vocabulary.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Thinking that equilibrium means the reaction has stopped. It is a dynamic process, with both forward and reverse reactions continuing at the same rate." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one Dynamic Equilibrium question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
Dynamic Equilibrium flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in Dynamic Equilibrium?
Dynamic equilibrium occurs in a closed system when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. At equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant, but t...
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in Dynamic Equilibrium?
Thinking that equilibrium means the reaction has stopped. It is a dynamic process, with both forward and reverse reactions continuing at the same rate.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for Dynamic Equilibrium?
Answer one Dynamic Equilibrium question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for Dynamic Equilibrium?
Dynamic equilibrium is a higher-tier topic for all boards. It is crucial for understanding Le Chatelier's principle and industrial processes like the Haber process.
Common mistakes
- 1Thinking that equilibrium means the reaction has stopped. It is a dynamic process, with both forward and reverse reactions continuing at the same rate.
- 2Believing that the concentrations of reactants and products must be equal at equilibrium. The concentrations are constant, but not necessarily equal.
- 3Forgetting that equilibrium can only be reached in a closed system, where no substances can enter or leave.
Dynamic Equilibrium exam questions
Exam-style questions for Dynamic Equilibrium with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Dynamic Equilibrium
Core concept
Dynamic equilibrium occurs in a closed system when the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. At equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and products remai…
Frequently asked questions
What is a closed system?
A closed system is one that does not allow any matter to be exchanged with the surroundings. Energy, however, can be transferred in or out.
What happens if you open the fizzy drink bottle?
Opening the bottle means it is no longer a closed system. The CO₂(g) escapes, so the equilibrium is disturbed. The forward reaction (dissolving) is now slower than the reverse reaction (escaping), so the drink goes flat.