What does the "equi" portion of the word equilibrium refer to?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The "equi" portion in the word "equilibrium" refers to the concept of equal or equal parts, representing equality or sameness within a balanced and stable state.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the word "equilibrium"

The word "equilibrium" is used in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and economics. It generally refers to a state of balance, stability, or equality between different forces, reactions, or elements. To break down the meaning of "equi," we need to look at the two parts of the word "equilibrium": "equi" and "librium."
02

Breaking down the word "equilibrium"

"Equilibrium" comes from Latin and is composed of two parts: "equi-" and "-librium." The prefix "equi-" means equal, and the suffix "-librium" is derived from "libra," which means balance, weight, or scale. In simpler terms, "equi-" represents the idea of equality or sameness, and "librium" deals with balance.
03

Defining the meaning of "equi" in "equilibrium"

Now that we have broken down the word "equilibrium" into its two parts, we can focus on the "equi-" portion. "Equi" represents the concept of equal or equal parts. In the context of "equilibrium," equalizing forces, reactions, or elements are in a stable and balanced state.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Phosphorus pentachloride gas decomposes to \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}(\mathrm{~g})\) and \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}(\mathrm{~g}) .\) At equilibrium, the concentrations of the decomposition products are \(5.50 \times 10^{-3} \mathrm{M}\) for \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}(\mathrm{~g})\) and \(0.125 \mathrm{M}\) for \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}(g)\). What is the equilibrium concentration of \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}\) ? The equilibrium constant for this reaction is \(7.50 \times 10^{-2}\).

Suppose a reaction has a \(K_{\text {eq }}\) value of \(2.05\). When we write the reaction, can we use a single arrow to the right instead of a double set of equilibrium arrows? Explain your answer.

Sparingly soluble aluminum hydroxide dissolves in water to yield an equilibrium hydroxide ion concentration of \(8.58 \times 10^{-9} \mathrm{M}\). (a) Write the balanced equilibrium equation for aluminum hydroxide dissolving in water. (b) Write the \(K_{\mathrm{sp}}\) expression for aluminum hydroxide. (c) What is the equilibrium concentration of aluminum ion? (d) Calculate the value of \(K_{\mathrm{sp}}\) for aluminum hydroxide (show your calculation).

On the basis of \(K_{\text {eq }}\) values, which reaction goes essentially to completion? How would you describe the other reaction? (a) \(2 \mathrm{H}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \leftrightarrows 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(g)\); \(K_{\mathrm{eq}}=3 \times 10^{81}\) (b) \(2 \mathrm{HF}(g) \rightleftarrows \mathrm{H}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{F}_{2}(g)\) \(K_{\mathrm{eq}}=1 \times 10^{-95}\)

What symbol and name are used to replace the ratio \(k_{\mathrm{f}} / k_{\mathrm{r}}\) for a reaction?

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