EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT Meaning and
Definition
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The equilibrium constant is a fundamental concept in chemistry that quantitatively evaluates the extent to which a chemical reaction proceeds towards equilibrium. It is denoted by the symbol Kc and represents the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at thermodynamic equilibrium for a particular chemical reaction. The equilibrium constant is determined by the stoichiometry of the reaction and the concentrations of the species involved.
Mathematically, the equilibrium constant is expressed as the product of the concentrations of the products, each raised to the power of their respective stoichiometric coefficients, divided by the product of the concentrations of the reactants, each raised to the power of their respective stoichiometric coefficients. The concentration is typically given in terms of molarity (mol/L) or partial pressure (atm).
The value of the equilibrium constant provides crucial information about the system. If the value of Kc is greater than 1, it indicates that the products are favored at equilibrium. Conversely, if Kc is less than 1, it suggests that the reactants are favored. A value close to 1 suggests that the reaction is proceeding in both directions almost equally.
The equilibrium constant is temperature-dependent and varies with changes in temperature. As per Le Chatelier's principle, altering the concentration or pressure of the reactants or products can shift the equilibrium position of a reaction, but it does not affect the value of the equilibrium constant itself.
Common Misspellings for EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT
- wquilibrium constant
- squilibrium constant
- dquilibrium constant
- rquilibrium constant
- 4quilibrium constant
- 3quilibrium constant
- e1uilibrium constant
- e2uilibrium constant
- ewuilibrium constant
- eauilibrium constant
- eqyilibrium constant
- eqhilibrium constant
- eqjilibrium constant
- eqiilibrium constant
- eq8ilibrium constant
- eq7ilibrium constant
- equulibrium constant
- equjlibrium constant
- equklibrium constant
Etymology of EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT
The word "equilibrium" originates from the Latin words "aequus" meaning "equal" and "libra" meaning "balance" or "scale". It was first used in the 17th century to describe a state of balance or stability in various scientific contexts.
The term "constant", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "constantem" meaning "standing firm" or "remaining unchanged". It refers to a value that does not vary or fluctuate.
Therefore, the term "equilibrium constant" combines these two concepts, implying a value that represents the balance or stability of a chemical reaction at a specific point in time, which remains constant under certain conditions.
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