Basics of Equilibrium
Define dynamic equilibrium
State where forward rate = reverse rate and concentrations stay constant
What does K represent?
Ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium
Products go where?
Numerator (top)
What is Kp based on?
Partial pressures of gases
What is equal at equilibrium
Reaction rates, not concentrations
K >> 1 means what?
Products favored
Exponents come from what?
Coefficients in balanced equation
What is Δn?
Moles of gas products − moles of gas reactants
Do concentrations change at equilibrium?
No, they remain constant over time
K << 1 means what?
Reactants favored
Include solids/liquids?
No
Only gases (or aqueous) included
When is Kp = Kc?
When Δn = 0
Explain reversible reactions
Reactions that go forward and backward
Write general K expression
Products over reactants, each raised to coefficients
For:
A + 2B ⇌ C
K = [C] / ([A][B]²)
Why equilibrium ≠ equal amounts?
Because K determines ratio, not equality
Why is K unitless?
Units cancel out in the ratio