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Equilibrium (also see osmosis)

• An Equilibrium is dependent the kinetics of the reaction.
  
  
• Equilibrium is a dynamic, steady-state situation.
  
  This dynamic but stable , balanced situation is reached once a volatile, reactive or altered situation finally settles down into a new steady state situation.
  
  
• An equilibrium once reached, is still a dynamic, active situation. That is, with compounds disassociating and the disassociated products reforming or re-associating.
  
  However, the overall concentration of each component involved in the reaction remains constant.
  
  
• If one of the components involved in the equilibrium's dynamics is altered all component concentrations will change to re-establish a new ratio or equilibrium between themselves.
  
  A change in temperature or pressure will also re-establish a new equilibrium.
  
  Hence the double headed arrows used in equations, indicates that the reaction can proceed in both directions, depending on factors influencing the reaction.
  
  

  SO2

  +

  H2O

  < == >

  HSO3-

  +

  H+

  
  
  
• The ratio of component concentrations, at equilibrium and a given temperature, is represented by a disassociation constant with the symbol K (e.g. K_a)