Equilibrium constant and rate constant

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the constants K and k in chemical kinetics and equilibrium. K, typically capitalized, represents the equilibrium constant, which is the ratio of equilibrium concentrations of products to reactants. In contrast, k, in lowercase, denotes the rate constant associated with the speed of a reaction. The conversation clarifies that while K and k are related, they serve different purposes: K reflects the state of equilibrium where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, while k pertains to the kinetics of the reaction. The equilibrium constant K can be expressed in terms of the rate constants of the forward and reverse reactions, highlighting their connection.
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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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could you be more specific? Are you talking about Ka, Kb, Kp, Kc or something else?
 
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.
 
Thank you for your answering me. Anyway, could you please explain a little bit more ?
 
k is a rate constant for kinetics

K is a ratio of equillibrium compositions

I think that is what you needed?
 
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.
 
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?
 

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