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What is Kp?

Kp is a special type of equilibrium constant that we use for reactions that are in the gas phase.

K<sub>p</sub>

Kp

  • Where Kc uses concentrations, Kp uses partial pressures.
  • The two approaches are equivalent, but it’s much easier to measure the partial pressure of a gas than the concentration of the gas.
How is K<sub>p</sub> defined?

How is Kp defined?

  • The equation for Kp is:
    • Kp=(pD)d(pC)c(pA)a(pB)bK_p = \frac{(p_D)^d(p_C)^c}{(p_A)^a(p_B)^b}
    • Where the reaction is: aA(g) + bB(g) ⇋ cC(g) + dD(g)
  • Kp only includes species in the gaseous phase.

Properties of Kp

Much like Kc, Kp has a set of properties you need to know.

Le Chatelier

Le Chatelier

  • Le Chatelier’s principle applies to Kp as much as it does to any aqueous equilibria.
    • If you increase the pressure, the system will decrease the pressure by favoring the reaction that removes moles of gas.
    • If you increase the temperature, the system will decrease the temperature by favoring the reaction that is endothermic.
Temperature

Temperature

  • Just like Kc, Kp is temperature dependent.
  • It will have different values at different temperatures.
Catalysts

Catalysts

  • Catalysts increase the rate of reaction by providing an alternate reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
    • They do not alter Kp.
Pressure

Pressure

  • Changing pressure does not alter Kp.
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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