## K constants

$K = \frac{k_{forward}}{k_{reverse}}$

Jasmin Argueta 1K
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:16 am

### K constants

In regards to K in chemical kinetics, when would we use big K and little k? are both needed only when using the pre-equilibrium approach? I know big K is products/reactants and little k is forward/reverse or k1/k1'. Is this the only instance we'll need to connect the two? I am asking because I usually make mistakes when using the same varibales so don't particularly favor these problems

Jonny Schindler 1A
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:20 am

### Re: K constants

I think relating big K to the forward and reverse reactions is the only way to connect them.

Joonsoo Kim 4L
Posts: 61
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:29 am

### Re: K constants

I think you use big K to convert the concentration of an intermediate in terms of concentrations of species found in the experimentally determined rate law. You can then convert big K into little k's using K=(k/k') to get your rate law all in terms of concentrations and rate constants.