5.7.1

Reaction Quotient

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The Reaction Quotient

The relative concentrations of substances in a reversible reaction can be worked out using the reaction quotient (Q).

Illustrative background for Reaction quotientIllustrative background for Reaction quotient ?? "content

Reaction quotient

  • The reaction quotient tells you the relative concentrations of substances in a reversible reaction at a given time.
  • The formula for the reaction quotient can be found directly from the stoichiometry of the balanced equation.
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Reaction quotient formula

  • Reversible reactions can be generalized to the form
    • mA+nB    xC  +  yDmA+nB\;\rightleftharpoons\;xC\;+\;yD
  • The reaction quotient (QcQ_c) for the generalized reversible reaction above is:
    • Qc=Q_c= [C]x[D]y[A]m[B]n\large\frac{[C]^x [D]^y}{[A]^m [B]^n}
    • The 'c' in QcQ_c tells us that molar concentrations should be used in the expression.
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$$K_c$$Illustrative background for $$Q_c$$ tends towards
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QcQ_c tends towards KcK_c

  • A reversible reaction will always try to reach equilibrium.
  • As a reversible reaction moves towards equilibrium, the reaction quotient (QcQ_c) will tend towards the equilibrium constant (KcK_c).
  • A reversible reaction is at equilibrium when QcQ_c = KcK_c.
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Reaction quotient with gases

  • If the reactants and products are gaseous, a reaction quotient can also be found using partial pressures.
  • If a reversible reaction with gaseous reactants and products is generalized to the form
    • mA  nB    xC  +  yDmA\;nB\;\rightleftharpoons\;xC\;+\;yD
  • The reaction quotient (QpQ_p) is:
    • Qp=Q_p= PCx  PDyPAm  PBn\large\frac{P^x_C\; P^y_D}{P^m_A\; P^n_B}
    • The 'p' in QpQ_p tells us that partial pressures should be used in the expression.
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$$K_p$$Illustrative background for $$Q_p$$ tends towards
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QpQ_p tends towards KpK_p

  • A reversible reaction will always try to reach equilibrium.
  • As a reversible reaction moves towards equilibrium, the reaction quotient (Q+pQ+p) will tend towards the equilibrium constant (KpK_p).
  • A reversible reaction is at equilibrium when QpQ_p = KpK_p.
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Units

  • A reaction quotient does NOT have any units.

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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