Which statement BEST describes what it means for the acid-base reaction between acetic acid and water to be in equilibrium? CH₃COOH + H₂O ⇌ CH₃COO^- + H₃O⁺ A) The mass of acetic acid and acetate is equal. B) The number of moles of acetate equals the number of moles of acetic acid. C) The number of moles of hydronium equals the number of moles of water. D) The forward and reverse reactions proceed at the same rate. E) The reaction is balanced.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a chemical equilibrium, the rate of the forward reaction (acetic acid reacting with water) is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction (acetate reacting to form acetic acid and water). This does not necessarily mean that the amounts of reactants and products are equal, but that their rates of formation are balanced.

Which Statement BEST Describes What It Means for the Acid-Base