Irreversible and Reversible Reactions

We will look at a irreversible and reversible chemical reactions at the microscopic level to determine characteristics representative each.

Irreversible reactions proceed in the forward direction until at least one of the reactants completely reacts. In the reaction above 2R_(g) --> R_2(g) the reaction is complete when all of the R atoms collide to form R₂ molecules.

Reversible reactions proceed in the forward direction and in the reverse direction. The reaction is dynamic, in that the reaction will continue in both directions. After a period of time there are amounts of all reactants and products. In the reaction above BG_(g) B_(g) + G_(g) the reaction is complete when all of the R atoms collide to form R₂ molecules.

Here is an activity that can be used to invent the concept of a reversible reaction.

Using the simulation on a PC:
The activity includes a link to a Java applet that can be used on a PC running Internet Explorer. You will need to accessorize your browser by following these directions.

Using the simulation on a Mac with Safari 12.x.x:
In place of the link to a Java applet in the activity, Mac users can use the .jnlp file on a Mac running Safari 12. You will need to accessorize your browser by following these directions.

Watch a movie:
If either the Java applet or the .jnlp file become too much of a pain, you are welcome to a watch the movie of the simulation. The only 'bad' part is that the movie always plays the same simulation. Using the applet or the .jnlp file means every time the simulation runs the particles follow different paths.