Reversible reactions

When a chemical reaction is reversible, it can go both forwards and backwards. This means that the reaction is not necessarily permanent – the two or more reactants that have made a new product can be returned to their original states.

Reverse reactions are reactions that can go either way and can be replenished — Charging and discharging a battery is an everyday example of a reversible chemical reaction. Imagine a lorry that’s pulling a huge battery. When the lorry reverses, the battery is discharged; when the lorry goes forwards, the battery is charged up again.