11.13 Reaction Quotient [ENDORSED]

[Josephine Lu 4L]

In question 11.13 in the textbook, it asks to find the reaction quotient. Is reaction quotient the same as equilibrium constant?

[Fayez Kanj]

Hello!

The reaction quotient is the same expression as the equilibrium constant (calculated the same way), rather it is for a reaction NOT in equilibrium (ie: in any point in time)

Hope this helps :)

[Chem_Mod]

No, equilibrium constant is signified by the letter K while reaction quotient is signified by the letter Q. K implies the reaction is at equilibrium meaning that it has reacted fully while Q is for reactions that are not at equilibrium.There is only one K, however you can solve for Q at any point when the reaction is happening.

[Elizabeth Gallmeister 1A]

Also, by comparing Q and K, we can determine certain characteristics about the reaction not at equilibrium. If Q<K, then the reaction is going to tend towards the products in order to reach equilibrium. If Q>K, then the reaction tends towards the reactants. When Q=K, we know the reaction has reached equilibrium.