How to teach reversible reactions and equilibrium at 14–16

By Jo Haywood2023-10-03T08:55:00

Two glasses of water - one open with the water evaporating away, and the other has a lid so the water cannot escape

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Use these tips and teaching ideas to secure student understanding when teaching this tricky topic

The concept that chemical reactions are reversible and exist at an equilibrium point is often challenging for students to understand and until they reach 14–16 learning, they’re often taught that chemical changes are irreversible. This article will give you teaching tips and ideas to help you introduce equilibrium to your students, as well as suggestions for how to give your students a deeper understanding of this topic as they progress in their learning. You will also discover how to deal with common misconceptions and ensure knowledge is embedded.

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