Systems in chemical equilibrium

In a chemical system at equilibrium, reactions occur both forward and backward at the same rate, so the concentrations of reactants and products remain steady over time. This balance doesn't mean reactions have stopped, but that they happen equally in both directions. Think of it like a busy marketplace where vendors and buyers exchange goods at the same rate, keeping the overall quantity constant. Conditions like temperature or pressure can shift this balance, favoring either the reactants or products, but once equilibrium is reached, the system remains stable unless disturbed.