When a chemical reaction reaches completion, it is said to have achieved what?

When a chemical reaction reaches completion, it is referred to as achieving chemical equilibrium. At this point, the forward and backward reactions occur at the same rate, meaning that the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant over time. This state signifies that the reaction has reached a balance where the formation of products is equal to the conversion back into reactants.

Chemical equilibrium is a fundamental concept in chemical reactions, allowing for the understanding of both reversible and irreversible reactions. When a reaction goes to completion, particularly in many practical applications such as wastewater treatment, it is crucial to monitor and manage these equilibrium states to ensure optimal performance and efficiency in processes.

In contrast, the other terms mentioned do not apply in the same context. Catalytic conversion refers to the use of a catalyst to increase the rate of a reaction, while full dissolution pertains to a substance completely dissolving in a solvent. Thermal balance would involve the distribution of thermal energy, which does not directly involve the completion of a chemical reaction. Thus, the term that best describes the completion of a reaction is chemical equilibrium.