Why does the equilibrium constant vary only with temperature?

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SUMMARY

The equilibrium constant varies exclusively with temperature due to changes in the forward and reverse rate constants, which are influenced by activation energies in chemical reactions. Pure substances, such as solids and liquids, are mathematically insignificant in equilibrium equations, although they technically contribute to the rate equations. A reference pressure of 1 atm is utilized to standardize conditions and eliminate units, ensuring consistency in calculations. The presence of noble gases does affect equilibrium by altering collision frequency, impacting rate dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of equilibrium constants in chemical reactions
  • Familiarity with rate constants and activation energy concepts
  • Knowledge of standard conditions in thermodynamics
  • Basic principles of collision theory in gas-phase reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the van 't Hoff equation for temperature dependence of equilibrium constants
  • Explore the role of activation energy in chemical kinetics
  • Learn about the impact of pressure on gas-phase equilibria
  • Investigate the effects of non-reactive gases on reaction dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, physical chemists, and anyone studying chemical equilibrium and reaction kinetics will benefit from this discussion.

quantumlight
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why does the equilibrium constant vary only with temperature?

and why is pure substances like solids and liquids not count toward the equilibirum equation?

why do you have to have a reference pressure of 1 atm? (i know this is to take away the units but does this have a logical function other than that? how does this affect the equation?)

can noble gases affect the equilibrium? (i think it shouldn't since the partial pressure of the original reactants would still be the same)
 
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The policy here at PF is that you show your approach to the question before any of us are allowed to help you. However, the questions you have asked in particular are commonly asked by students outside their homework endeavors and thus I shall offer an brief explanation. An appropriate explanation for all of these questions entails several mathematical derivations and the related assumptions, all of this can be found in a standard Physical Chemistry text e.g. Physical Chemistry by Atkins.

Your text should offer a short explanation on why the equilibrium constants of some reactions in water is altered by temperature, in short, all of it stems from the relative changes in the forward and reverse rate constants for a simple reaction mechanism. Also, the rate constants are thermodynamically based, as it is associated with the activations energies for the forward and reverse reactions respectively.

Liquids and solids technically do count, to a very small degree, towards the rate equations, however they are mathematically insignificant in influencing the rate parameters.

1 atm is the standard condition.

The presence of any gas would affect the collision frequency of the analyte and thus would affect the rate dynamics.
 

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