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Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic Equilibrium

The state in which a system's properties no longer change with time and all driving forces are balanced.

Formula / equation ΔG = 0
Unit kJ/mol

In depth

Full thermodynamic equilibrium requires thermal, mechanical and chemical equilibrium simultaneously: no temperature gradient, no pressure difference and no net reaction. At equilibrium the system's Gibbs energy is at a minimum and its entropy at a maximum for the given constraints.

Examples in the real world

A sealed bottle of liquid at constant temperature with its vapour, where evaporation and condensation exactly balance.