Steady State

An open system is one that material can be added to, or removed from.  For this reason, the reaction rate will never become equal in the forward and reverse directions.  However, if you add reactants at the same rate as they are consumed, and remove the products as fast as they are formed, then the system will be at a steady state.

Steady states are often used in chemical industry.  The production of desired substances can be maximized by:

  • removing the products as they form, and
  • adding more reactants to replace those used up.
 A steady state

The level of water in an aquarium is an example of a steady state.  As water evaporates from the open top, more water must be added in order to keep the aquarium full.