Chapter 14, Problem 14.8QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The term reaction quotient $\left(Q\right)$ and its usefulness has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Equilibrium constant is the ratio of the rate constants of the forward and reverse reactions at a given temperature.  Consider the reaction where the reactant $\text{A}$ is giving product $\text{P}$.

$\begin{array}{l}\text{<x-custom-btb-me data-me-id="168" class="microExplainerHighlight">Rate of forward reaction</x-custom-btb-me> = Rate of reverse reaction}\\ {\text{k}}_{\text{f}}\left[\text{A}\right]{\text{=k}}_{\text{r}}\left[\text{B}\right]\end{array}$

On rearranging,

$\frac{\left[\text{A}\right]}{\left[\text{B}\right]}\text{=}\frac{{\text{k}}_{\text{f}}}{{\text{k}}_{\text{r}}}={\text{K}}_{\text{c}}$

Where,

${\text{k}}_f$ is the rate constant of the forward reaction.

${\text{k}}_r$ is the rate constant of the reverse reaction.

$K_c$ is the equilibrium constant.