L26 - Equilibrium

Learn how to do calculations around the equilibrium constant of reactions

Equilibrium (in chemical systems)

In chemical reactions, it is the balance between reactants and products at a point where the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.

Equilibrium Constant

A constant that characterises the equilibrium concentrations using ratios of product concentrations divided by reactant concentrations.

Equilibrium constant much bigger than one

If a reaction ends up mostly with products.

Equilibrium constant much less than one

If the equilibrium lies towards the reactants.

Pretty Even Balance Between Reactants and Products at Equilibrium

If the equilibrium constant is of the order of one.

Kc

Writing the equilibrium constant in terms of concentrations.

Kp

Writing the equilibrium constant in terms of partial pressures.

Acid Dissociation Constant (Ka)

Constant for the acid to form protons in solution plus the conjugate base of that acid.

Base Dissociation Constant (Kb)

A base reacting with water to produce hydroxide.

Kw

Autoionization of Water

Solubility Product (Ksp)

A salt dissolving in solution.

Reaction Quotient

It helps predict which way our reaction will move to reach equilibrium.