K, Kc and Kp

[mbaker4E]

What are the differences in using K, Kc and Kp? Are K and Kc interchangeable?

[Fiona Jackson 1D]

I think K is a general term for the equilibrium constant, while Kc is used when using concentrations and Kp is used with pressures. So, Kc and Kp are both K constants, but are more specific.

[Cynthia Aragon 1B]

Kp stands for the partial pressure equilibrium constant
Kc stands for the molar concentration equilibrium constant

[Ashley Zhu 1A]

I think the way the textbook explains it is that K and Kp are essentially the same thing, using partial pressures for reactions that have gaseous compounds while Kc is specific to a K that uses concentrations.
Pages 424 and 437 in the 6th edition might be helpful if you want to look at it.

[TiffanyL1G]

K is also known to be the composition of the reaction mixture at equilibrium at a given temperature. Kc is used for substances with concentration (Aqueous and or if there is more than one form in the chemical equation), and Kp is used for partial pressures that have gaseous compounds.

[Kessandra Ng 1K]

If you're referring specifically to homework questions, I believe most of them will say specifically which K/Kc/Kp they want.

[Sapna Ramappa 1J]

K is the generic term for the equilibrium constant, Kc is specifically for concentrations, and Kp is specifically for partial pressures.

[Edward Suarez 1I]

i believe you can use them interchangeably (most people use K only). C refers to concentration while P refers to partial pressure

[Celine Hoh 2L]

The K values are only affected by the change in temperature.