Reaction with a smaller equilibrium constant?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of reactions with different equilibrium constants (Keq), specifically focusing on how the size of Keq influences the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium. The scope includes conceptual understanding of equilibrium in chemical reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a larger equilibrium constant indicates a greater ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium.
  • Others argue that this suggests the equilibrium position lies more towards the products for reactions with larger Keq values.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the implications of the equilibrium constant and seeks clarification on the relationship between products and reactants.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify that the size of K indicates where the equilibrium lies in relation to the reactants and products.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a larger Keq corresponds to a higher ratio of products to reactants, but there is some uncertainty regarding the implications and interpretations of these relationships.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings about the implications of equilibrium constants and the definitions of products and reactants in different contexts.

lotsoluv4ya
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
How does a reaction with a large equilibrium constant compare to a reaction with a smaller equilibrium constant?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Keq=[products]/[reactants] I am sure you probably have seen this before. If the Keq is bigger for one reaction than the Keq for another reaction what does this say about the relationship between the products and reactants for each reaction?
 
. . . That the one reaction has a larger ratio of products to reactants than the other reaction . . . I don't know, that's kinda what I was asking you . . .
 
Well you kind of just gave yourself the answer. If K is the equilibrium value of the reaction, and something with a larger K has a larger ratio of products to reactants that means that the equilibrium lies more on the right side (product) of the reaction. That is one of the things that the size of K tells you. Where the equilibrium of the reaction lies.
 

Similar threads

Equilibrium and indicator equation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
A question about chemical equilibrium
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Question about equilibrium position
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Chemical reactions to depict Le Chatelier's Principle (Temperature)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why does Cu2+ react with I- to give CuI?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Equilibrium Reactions: Not All Elementary?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Equilibrium constant change with stoichiometric doubling (Callen)?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Interpreting Electrode Potentials
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K