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Kc - Chemistry LibreTexts
This page defines the equilibrium constant and introduces the equilibrium constant expressed in terms of concentrations, Kc. It assumes familiarity with the concept of dynamic equilibrium, as well …
chem.libretexts.org →A homogeneous equilibrium is one in which all species are present in the same phase. Common examples include gas-phase or solution reactions. A heterogeneous equilibrium is one in which species exist in more than one phase. Common examples include reactions involving solids and gases, or solids and liquids. Compare this with the chemical equation for the equilibrium. The convention is that the substances on the right side of the equation are written in the numerator of the Kc expression, and those on the left side in the denominator. The exponents are the coefficients of the reactants and products from the equation. It is helpful to write down the chemical equation for a equilibrium reaction whenever discussing an equilibrium constant, to ensure the expression is written correctly (products over reactants). Both the copper on the left-hand side and the silver on the right are solids. Both are left out of the equilibrium constant expression:
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The equilibrium constant of a chemical reaction is the value of its reaction quotient at chemical equilibrium, a state approached by a dynamic chemical system after sufficient time has elapsed at which its composition has no measurable tendency towards further change. For a given set of reaction conditions, the equilibrium constant is independent of the initial analytical concentrations of the reactant and product species in the mixture. Thus, given the initial composition of a system, known equilibrium constant values can be used to determine the composition of the system at equilibrium. However, reaction parameters like temperature, solvent, and ionic strength may all affect the value of the equilibrium constant.
A knowledge of equilibrium constants is essential for the understanding of many chemical systems, as well as the biochemical processes such as oxygen transport by hemoglobin in blood and acid–base homeostasis in the human body.