k'

[604735966]

Can someone explain to me what k' actually is and when we would use it? Is it simply the rate constant for a reverse reaction?

[emma_arago_3D]

As far as my understanding, yes, it is simply the rate constant for a reverse reaction. It can be used to evaluate K or k in the equation K=k/k' (looking at the relationship between equilibrium constant and rate constant).

[Olivia_Chen_3E]

Yes, even though there is a ' mark after the k, it doesn't have anything to do with differentiating the rate constant k, it's just do indicate that it is the rate constant of the reverse reaction, which only occurs for fast reactions, and for slow reactions, k' can be disregarded, as the reaction is over before the reverse reaction has much effect on the rate law of the reaction itself.

[alondra_1D]

Yea, k' is just the reverse reaction, I don't know what else we would use it with besides, K=k/k'.

[Wesley_Rugen_1E]

It doesn't have anything to do with the differentiation of the rate constant. It is just the reverse rate - we can use it to find K.