Approach to Equilibrium
The time-dependent process by which a reacting system moves towards its equilibrium composition.
Unit
s
In depth
The forward rate falls as reactants are consumed while the reverse rate rises as products build up, until the two meet. The rate of approach is a kinetic question entirely separate from the final position, which is why some equilibria are reached in microseconds and others take centuries.
Examples in the real world
A plot of both rates against time converging at the moment equilibrium is attained.