Determining k vs k'

[Suzanne Reyes-Ingwersen 3A]

Does it matter which rate constant you assign to be k and which one you assign to be k'? If so, how do you tell the difference?

[Ryan Doyle 3E]

k is generally the forward rate constant with reactions going to products and k prime is generally the rate constant for the flipped reaction, where the original products are now going to the reactants.

[Christopher Reed 1H]

Typically k is the rate constant for the forward reaction and k' is the rate constant for the reverse reaction. can also represent the forward reaction rate constant and represents that of the reverse. In practice though, as long as you define what your rate constant is you're okay.

[Stephanie_Martinez3E]

k is the rate at which the forward reaction goes and k' is the rate of the reverse reaction. It will usually tell you whether they are talking about the forward/ reverse reaction.