Structural Biochemistry/Material Equilibrium

Introduction

The definition of Material Equilibrium is that in each phase of the closed system, the numbers of moles of each substance in that phase remains constant in time. Material equilibrium can be subdivided into Reaction equilibrium and Phase Equilibrium. Reaction Equilibrium is the equilibrium where the conversion of quantity stops between two sets of chemicals. Phase Equilibrium is where the transport of matter reaches a balance point without conversion of one species to another.

Entropy and Equilibrium

In an isolated system which is not at material equilibrium. The spontaneous chemical reactions occur between difference phases in this system are irreversible processes that increase the entropy.Stot>0