Question

Define reversible and irreversible reactions. Give examples.

Answer 1

1. Reversible reactions are those in which the reactants are converted to products and the products are converted back to reactants.
2. Example of reversible reactions: $$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{N}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+3{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\rightleftharpoons 2{\mathrm{NH}}_3\left(\mathrm{g}\right). \\ \mathrm{Nitrogen}\mathrm{Hydrogen}\mathrm{Ammonia} \end{gathered}$$
3. Irreversible reactions are those in which the reactants are converted to products but the products cannot be converted back to reactants.
4. Example of irreversible reactions: $$\begin{gathered} 4\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to 2{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3(\mathrm{s}) \\ \mathrm{Iron}\mathrm{Oxygen}\mathrm{Iron}\left(\mathrm{III}\right)\mathrm{oxide} \end{gathered}$$