Calculating Ksp vs Keq: Are There Differences?

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SUMMARY

Ksp (solubility product constant) and Keq (equilibrium constant) are fundamentally different despite some misconceptions. Ksp specifically applies to saturated solutions and cannot be calculated in the absence of a solid phase, while Keq applies to all equilibrium processes regardless of the states of matter involved. This distinction is crucial for accurate chemical calculations and understanding solubility dynamics. Therefore, Ksp is not simply a flexible version of Keq; it has specific conditions under which it is applicable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical equilibrium concepts
  • Familiarity with solubility product constant (Ksp)
  • Knowledge of equilibrium constant (Keq) calculations
  • Basic chemistry knowledge regarding phases of matter
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  • Research the differences between Ksp and Keq in detail
  • Study the conditions under which Ksp can be applied
  • Explore examples of calculating Ksp for various salts
  • Learn about the implications of Ksp and Keq in real-world applications
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Chemistry students, educators, and professionals in chemical research or education who seek to clarify the distinctions between Ksp and Keq for accurate scientific understanding and application.

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I have searched on multiple websites and they have conflicting arguments about Ksp vs Keq. Some say they are calculated the exact same way, some say Ksp is more flexible (I don't know how) and some say they are calculated differently. Could someone tell me if there are any differences in their calculations? Thanks!
 
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Ksp and Keq are the same thing - equilibrium constant of some process. However, Ksp describes saturated solution, so it doesn't hold when there is no solid present.
 
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I see, so basically, if an equation does not have a solid, Ksp cannot be calculated.
 
I came.across a headline and read some of the article, so I was curious. Scientists discover that gold is a 'reactive metal' by accidentally creating a new material in the lab https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-that-gold-is-reactive-metal-by-creating-gold-hydride-in-lab-experiment/ From SLAC - A SLAC team unexpectedly formed gold hydride in an experiment that could pave the way for studying materials under extreme conditions like those found inside certain planets and stars undergoing...

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