What is an equilibrium constant?
Q: What is an equilibrium constant?
A: An equilibrium constant is a mathematical quantity that expresses the relationship between products and reactants of a reaction at chemical equilibrium with respect to a specific unit.
Q: How can we use an equilibrium constant?
A: We can use an equilibrium constant to understand whether the reaction tends to have a higher concentration of products or reactants at equilibrium, as well as determine if the reaction is already at equilibrium.
Q: What are some examples of different types of equilibrium constants?
A: Dissociation constants are one example of different types of equilibrium constants that provide relationships between the products and the reactants of a chemical reaction at chemical equilibrium in terms of different units.
Q: What does an Equilibrium Constant measure?
A: An Equilibrium Constant measures the relationship between products and reactants in a chemical reaction at chemical equilibrium with respect to a specific unit.
Q: How do we know when a reaction is already at Equilibrium?
A: We can use an Equilibrium Constant to determine if the reaction is already at Equilibrium.
Q: What does it mean for something to be “at equilibrium”?
A: At equilibrium means that there is no net change in concentrations over time - all components remain in balance, so reactions occur but they are balanced by reverse reactions occurring simultaneously.