7.2 Direction of Reversible Reactions

Equilibrium can be reached starting from reactants or products. Whichever side has excess, the net reaction runs the other way until rates balance.

Forward rate starts high and falls; reverse starts at zero and rises.

Start with only products → net reverse reaction first.

Worked example: Pure NO₂ in a flask → net 2NO₂ → N₂O₄ until equilibrium.