JAMB - Chemistry (2005 - No. 40)
NH\(_4\)Cl(s) ⇌ NH\(_3\)(g) + HCl(g)
The reaction above can only attain equilibrium if
The reaction above can only attain equilibrium if
a gaseous reactant is added
one of the products is removed
it is in a closed system
it is an open system
Explanation
In a closed system, as a reaction proceeds, the concentrations of reactants and products change until the system reaches a state where the forward and reverse reactions are occurring at the same rate.
Reactions in a closed system naturally tend towards a state of equilibrium, where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, and the net change in concentrations of reactants and products is zero.