Question

During the equilibrium reaction between ice and water,at equilibrium both forward and reverse reaction takes place simultataneously such that rate of melting = rate of crystallisation.

But at equilibrium,does the shape of ice changes?

Answer 1

if we place ice and water at 273 K (0°C) under normal atmospheric pressure in a perfectly insulated thermos flask, since the flask is insulated, there will be no exchange of heat between its contents and the surroundings. We notice that

• The temperature of both the phases remains constant, i.e., temperature of the system does not change.

• Mass of each phase (ice and water) does not change with time.

It appears as if nothing is happening in the system. But, if we could observe the individual molecules of ice and water, we would notice that there is a considerable activity in the system.