Exam Focus: Reversible Reactions

Part of Reversible Reactions · Section 10 of 12

Exam FocusUnit: Rates of ReactionGCSE

This exam focus covers Exam Focus: Reversible Reactions within Reversible Reactions for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Reversible Reactions in Rates of Reaction for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 10 of 12 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.

🎯 Exam Focus: Reversible Reactions

high Energy questions (2-3 marks): State the direction (forward/backward), whether it is exo or endothermic, and the energy rule.

high Copper sulfate test (2 marks): Know the colour change (white → blue with water) and explain using the reversible reaction equation.

medium Symbol questions (1 mark): Use ⇌ not → in equations for reversible reactions. This is a commonly penalised error.

Common exam question: "Explain what happens when water is added to anhydrous copper sulfate" — must include: colour change, exothermic, equation with ⇌ symbol.

Edexcel 1CH0: Examined in Paper 2 (1CH0/2). Edexcel tests the concept of dynamic equilibrium and the effect of changing conditions on reversible reactions. In Edexcel-style questions, the command word "Suggest" appears frequently — use your chemistry knowledge to apply to an unfamiliar context.

Practice questions for Reversible Reactions

What does the symbol ⇌ mean when used in a chemical equation?

  • A. The reaction is very fast
  • B. The reaction produces a gas
  • C. The reaction can proceed in both the forward and backward directions
  • D. The reaction requires a catalyst
1 markfoundation

Explain the relationship between the energy changes in the forward and reverse reactions of a reversible reaction.

2 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

What symbol shows a reaction is reversible?
⇌ (double arrow)
What is a reversible reaction?
A reaction where products can react together to reform the original reactants

20 questions on Reversible Reactions — practise free

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