What is the Difference Between Ionic Equilibrium and Chemical Equilibrium?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between ionic equilibrium and chemical equilibrium lies in the nature of the system that is in equilibrium. Here are the key differences:
Ionic Equilibrium:
- Ionic equilibrium is established between unionized molecules and ions in a solution of weak electrolytes.
- It involves the ionization process, where some molecules of the electrolyte dissociate into ions, while others recombine to form neutral molecules.
- The degree of dissociation can be defined as the proportion of dissociating solute molecules.
Chemical Equilibrium:
- Chemical equilibrium occurs between chemical reactants and products.
- It is the state in which both reactants and products are present in concentrations that do not change with time.
- Chemical equilibrium is established when the rates of the forward and reverse chemical reactions become equal.
In summary, ionic equilibrium deals with the equilibrium between unionized molecules and ions in a solution of weak electrolytes, while chemical equilibrium occurs between chemical reactants and products. Chemical equilibrium is often studied before ionic equilibrium in traditional chemistry courses.
Comparative Table: Ionic Equilibrium vs Chemical Equilibrium
The main difference between ionic equilibrium and chemical equilibrium is that ionic equilibrium involves the equilibrium between unionized molecules and ions in a solution of weak electrolytes, while chemical equilibrium occurs between chemical reactants and products. Here is a table comparing the two:
Feature | Ionic Equilibrium | Chemical Equilibrium |
---|---|---|
Definition | Ionic equilibrium is the equilibrium established between the unionized molecules and the ions in a solution of weak electrolytes. | Chemical equilibrium is the state in which both reactants and products are present in concentrations that do not change with time. |
Occurrence | Ionic equilibrium is achieved when a sparingly soluble salt is dissolved in water. | Chemical equilibrium occurs in reversible reactions where the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction. |
System | Ionic equilibrium is a closed system, meaning that no energy or matter is allowed in or out. | Chemical equilibrium can be achieved in both closed and open systems. |
Example | For example, when a sparingly soluble salt like silver chloride (AgCl) is dissolved in water, an ionic equilibrium is created between Ag^++ and Cl^- ions. | For example, in the reversible reaction A + B ⇌ C + D, chemical equilibrium is achieved when the concentrations of A, B, C, and D reach a constant value, and the reaction proceeds in both the forward and reverse directions at equal rates. |
In summary, ionic equilibrium involves the equilibrium between unionized molecules and ions in a solution of weak electrolytes, while chemical equilibrium occurs between chemical reactants and products. Both types of equilibria are essential phenomena in chemistry.
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