5.6.2

Magnitude of the Equilibrium Constant

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Magnitude of the Equilibrium Constant

The equilibrium constant for a reaction tells you the relative position of the reversible reaction at equilibrium.

Large equilibrium constants

Large equilibrium constants

  • A reaction with a large equilibrium constant (K) will be at equilibrium when most of the reactant has been converted into the product.
    • An equilibrium constant greater than one indicates that the forward reaction dominates.
Small equilibrium constants

Small equilibrium constants

  • A reaction with a small equilibrium constant (K) will be at equilibrium when very little of the reactant has been converted into the product.
    • An equilibrium constant less than one indicates that the backward reaction dominates.
K does NOT affect the rate

K does NOT affect the rate

  • The size of the equilibrium constant (K) does NOT show how fast or slow equilibrium will be reached.
    • Some equilibria are reached so quickly that they are almost instant.
    • Some equilibria are reached so slowly that it is very hard to see any change over the course of days or years.
Jump to other topics
1

Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2

Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3

Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1

The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2

Periodic Trends

3.3

Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4

Halogens

3.5

Noble gases, group 18

3.6

Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7

Functional Group Chemistry

3.8

Alkanes

3.9

Alcohols

3.10

Halogenoalkanes

4

Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5

Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6

Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7

Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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