A stressor is something that either speeds up a reaction rate or keeps the reaction rate the same. Stressors include light, temperature, the concentration of a substance (does not shift equilibrium), catalysis, surface area of the substance (speeds up the reaction rate), and the nature of the reactants.
- Equilibrium is a dynamic process with forward and reverse reactions occurring simultaneously. When the two are in balance, the reaction appears complete.
- Reaction rate describes how rapidly a chemical change takes place.