Kinetics & Equilibrium
What You’ll Learn
Equilibrium is a dynamic state where the forward and reverse reaction rates are equal, resulting in no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products.
The reaction quotient, Q, is the ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations at any given time, while the equilibrium constant, K, is the value of Q when the system is at equilibrium.
If Q < K, the reaction will proceed in the forward direction to reach equilibrium; if Q > K, the reaction will proceed in the reverse direction; and if Q = K, the system is already at equilibrium. Understanding the relationship between Q and K is crucial for predicting the direction a reaction will shift to reach equilibrium, a key concept in chemical equilibrium.