# Solving Equilibrium Constant

1. Jun 9, 2013

### Air

The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
With the 5 equations, the equilibrium contants can be calculated at the bottom. (See image)

My complication
I am aware that $X = 200$ thus that value remains at that. Also, From the fourth equation $K_{out}$ = $Cl_{out}$. But, I cannot seem to work out the values. If not simple algebra, what am I missing?

2. Jun 9, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

Won't hurt if you would explain what is the question that you are solving, at the moment you just posted a bunch of equations describing some undefined system.

3. Jun 9, 2013

### Air

From this, finding the concentrations at equilibrium.

4. Jun 9, 2013

### Air

I understand how the equations are set up but I can't seem to solve the maths to get the equilibrium constants. Is there something I am missing? Like I said, I am aware that $X = 200$ thus that value remains at that. Also, From the fourth equation $K_{out}$ = $Cl_{out}$.

5. Jun 9, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

Simple algebra.

My bet is your problem is related to the fact you have too many equations - they are not all independent, which makes you getting 0=0 type result.

6. Jun 9, 2013

### epenguin

By equilibrium constants are we to guess that the protein forms complexes we might call XCl- and XCl2 in non-coperative fashion so it is characterised by a single equilibrium constant which it is required to calculate from the data?

I think you had better cite the entire question.

Last edited: Jun 9, 2013
7. Jun 10, 2013

### Air

The whole question is posted in post number 3. https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4410136&postcount=3

8. Jun 10, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

You do realize there is no problem with solving the question using your approach and the simple algebra, it is just a matter of ignoring superfluous information?

9. Jun 10, 2013

### Air

When I substitute into each other, they all just cancel out to 0=0.

10. Jun 10, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

Which is exactly what I wrote in the post #5 - have you read it? That's because the linear equations are not independent. Ignore one of the linear ones and you will get the correct answer.