THE EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT

Derive the expression for the equilibrium constant: For the reversible reaction

A + B C + D taking place in a closed container, at constant temperature.

The rate of the forward reaction is proportional to the [A] and [B]. The rate of the reverse reaction is proportional to [C] and [D].

Rate forward = kf[A] [B]

Rate reverse = kr [C] [D]

BUT at equilibrium:
rate forward reaction = rate reverse reaction

kf[A] [B] = kr [C] [D]

kr [C][D]

kf

[A][B]

= Keq

NB Facts:

Kequ refers to the equilibrium constant.

If concentrations (in mol/dm3) are used in the calculations, the symbol Kc is used. If the partial pressures of gases are used to calculate Kequ, the symbol Kp is used. For the reaction:

aA + bB cC + dD
Kequ = [C]c[D]d

[A]a[B]b

The meaning of Kequ values.

A high value of Eequ means that the reaction has produced a high yield of products. The equilibrium has run almost to completion. A low value of Eequ means that the reaction has produced a low yield of products. A great deal of reactant remains when equilibrium is reached.

The values of Eequ are expressed in scientific notation.

Kequ = 3,4 X 10-4 A negative power denotes a small number. A positive power denotes a large number.

A homogeneous equilibrium Reactants and products are all in the same phase. A heterogeneous equilibrium Reactants and products are not all in the same phase. The concentrations of solids and solvent liquids remain constant during a reaction and so are not included in the equilibrium expression

Ionic equilibria

Equilibria between a solid substance and their dissolved ions is known as the solubility product Ksp. NaCl(s) Na +(aq) + Cl-(aq)
Ksp = [Na+][Cl-] and the concentration of solid NaCl is omitted because it is constant.

Consider the following equation: 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) The equilibrium expression is: