Equilibrium constant and rate constant

In summary, the conversation discusses the possible relations between two constants, K and k, and their specific meanings in chemistry. K is a ratio of equilibrium compositions, while k is a rate constant for kinetics. The equilibrium constant is equal to the ratio of the rate constants. The conversation ends with a clarification that these two constants are different and serve different purposes in chemistry.
  • #1
pixel01
688
1
Hi every body,

I am just asking myself if the two constants K and k have some relations with each other. Could anyone explain more about this?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
could you be more specific? Are you talking about Ka, Kb, Kp, Kc or something else?
 
  • #3
Ha, I failed to notice one is capitalized (K) and the other is not(k)! (im going blind)

I should then say that the relations seem more than obvious.
 
  • #4
Thank you for your answering me. Anyway, could you please explain a little bit more ?
 
  • #5
k is a rate constant for kinetics

K is a ratio of equillibrium compositions

I think that is what you needed?
 
  • #6
sicjeff said:
k is a rate constant for kinetics

K is a ratio of equillibrium compositions

I think that is what you needed?

No, they are different, totally.
 
  • #7
Equilibrium is where the forward reaction and reverse reaction have the same rate.

The equilibrium constant will be equal to the ratio of the rate constants.

Is that what you were looking for?
 

What is the difference between equilibrium constant and rate constant?

The equilibrium constant (Keq) is a measure of the ratio of reactants to products at equilibrium in a chemical reaction, while the rate constant (k) is a measure of the rate at which the reaction takes place. Keq is a constant value for a specific reaction at a given temperature, while k can vary depending on factors such as temperature, concentration, and catalysts.

How do you calculate the equilibrium constant?

The equilibrium constant is calculated by dividing the concentration of products by the concentration of reactants, with each concentration raised to the power of its coefficient in the balanced chemical equation. The resulting value is then raised to the power of the overall change in moles of gas in the reaction.

What factors affect the equilibrium constant?

Temperature, pressure, concentration, and the presence of a catalyst are all factors that can affect the value of the equilibrium constant. Changes in any of these factors can shift the equilibrium of the reaction, resulting in a different Keq value.

How does the equilibrium constant relate to the direction of a reaction?

The equilibrium constant can indicate the direction of a reaction. If Keq is greater than 1, the reaction favors the formation of products, while a value less than 1 indicates that the reaction favors the formation of reactants. A Keq value of 1 indicates that the reaction is proceeding at an equal rate in both directions.

What is the relationship between the equilibrium constant and the rate constant?

The equilibrium constant and rate constant are related through the Arrhenius equation, which describes the relationship between the rate constant and temperature. As temperature increases, the rate constant and the equilibrium constant both tend to increase, indicating that the reaction is proceeding at a faster rate in both directions.

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