Reversible processes [processes which may be made to proceed in the forward or reverse
direction by the (infinitesimal) change of one
variable], ultimately reach a point where the rates in both directions are identical, so that
the system gives the appearance of having a static composition at which the Gibbs
energy,
, is a minimum. At equilibrium the sum of the chemical potentials of the reactants
equals that of the products, so that:
The
equilibrium constant,
, is given by the
mass-law effect.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1114
Cite as:
IUPAC. Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book"). Compiled by
A. D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford (1997).
XML on-line corrected version: http://goldbook.iupac.org (2006-) created by M. Nic,
J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. ISBN 0-9678550-9-8.
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.
