APFIVE Macroscopic Properties At Equilibrium
In an experiment, the decomposition of N2O4(g) is monitored according to the reversible reaction N2O4(g) ⇌ 2NO2(g). The density of the gaseous system is observed to decrease rapidly at first, then more slowly, before finally becoming constant. Which of the following statements correctly explains this observation?
A
The forward reaction has stopped due to insufficient activation energy
B
The reaction has reached completion with all N2O4 converted to NO2
C
The system has reached maximum entropy
D
The rate of N2O4 formation eventually equals its decomposition rate