When is equilibrium reached after sugar is mixed with water?

The equilibrium is reached is number 3. The dissolved sugar molecules are evenly distributed throughout the solution. Some may think that the salt solution and sugar solution is the same but there are some differences between the two.

For example, in salt solution, the salt will mix with the water but through the process of evaporation, the salt can be separated again from the water. When it comes to sugar, the sugar will just completely dissolve with the water. This is the moment when the sugar will truly reach equilibrium. The sugar dissolves because the use of energy is required in order to form bonds with the water molecules that are available.

The equilibrium is reached the moment that the sugar is mixed in with water and all of the dissolved sugar molecules become part of the whole solution. This means that the sugar is thoroughly mixed throughout the whole solution. Take note that sugar molecules have the tendency to mix well with water because of its components.

Once it mixes, you will have a sugar solution. This is somewhat similar to a salt solution when you have to mix the salt with water. When you evaporate the water from the solution, the sugar and salt particles will be left behind. There is no need to add any other components to water and sugar to achieve its equilibrium.