Dynamic Equilibrium
An equilibrium in which opposing processes continue at the molecular level but at equal and opposite rates.
Formula / equation
rate_forward = rate_reverse
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The macroscopic constancy of a system at equilibrium conceals ceaseless microscopic activity. Isotopic labelling proves this directly: adding a radioactively tagged reactant to an equilibrium mixture soon spreads the label into the products even though no concentration changes.
Examples in the real world
Adding D₂O to an equilibrium mixture and finding deuterium distributed through every species.