This deep dive covers Examples of 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 6 of 12 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🧪 Examples of Reversible Reactions
- Copper sulfate hydration: CuSO₄·5H₂O(s) ⇌ CuSO₄(s) + 5H₂O(g)
- Ammonium chloride decomposition: NH₄Cl(s) ⇌ NH₃(g) + HCl(g)
- Haber process: N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) ⇌ 2NH₃(g)
- Thermal decomposition of limestone: CaCO₃(s) ⇌ CaO(s) + CO₂(g)
The copper sulfate hydration test is the classic example:
- Anhydrous CuSO₄ is white
- Hydrated CuSO₄·5H₂O is blue
- Adding water to white powder → turns blue + gets warm (exothermic)
- Heating blue crystals → turns white + steam released (endothermic)
- This test is used to detect the presence of water
Practice questions for Reversible Reactions
What does the symbol ⇌ mean when used in a chemical equation?
Explain the relationship between the energy changes in the forward and reverse reactions of a reversible reaction.
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