What does the term "chemical equilibrium" represent?

The term "chemical equilibrium" represents a state where the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time. At this point, the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, leading to no net change in the amounts of each substance present in the system. While individual molecules continue to react, the overall concentrations of reactants and products do not change, indicating a dynamic balance.

In this scenario, there is a continuous exchange of mass and energy, but since the rates of formation of reactants and products are equal, the system appears stable. This concept is central to understanding reaction mechanisms and rates in chemistry, as it highlights the importance of dynamic interactions instead of a static condition.