Understanding Q

[Emma Randolph 1J]

When solving for Q and comparing it to K, why is it that if Q < K it means that more products are formed and if Q > K it means more reactants are formed? I'm confused trying to figure this out conceptually.

[Brian Chhoy 4I]

Recall that you solve for K=(products)/(reactants). Thus when Q<K, to increase Q and get the reaction to equilibrium, you would have to increase the numerator(products) and decrease the denominator(reactants). That is why more products are formed. The same can be said for when Q>K, to decrease Q and get the reaction to equilibrium, you would have to decrease the products and increase the reactants, forming more reactants.

[Anjali_Kumar1F]

What is quotient and what is the difference between quotient and K if they are calculated the same way.

[Brian Chhoy 4I]

The quotient (Q), is simply the ratio of products:reactants at that point in the reaction. Eventually Q will have to approach K and thus we can make assumptions about how the reaction will proceed using the Q.