K and Kc

[Jacqueline Duong 1H]

What is the difference between K and Kc, and when do we know to use which one?

[Sara Lakamsani 4D]

K can be used interchangeably to refer to the equilibrium constant using partial pressures or concentration. Sometimes you will see Kp when using partial pressures or Kc when using concentrations. If there is no subscript, partial pressures are probably being used, but you should be able to tell based on the info they give you in the problem.

[Sara Lakamsani 4D]

Hope this helps!

[mbaker4E]

K and Kc can be the same thing, but Kc refers specifically to concentration while Kp refers to partial pressures.

[lukezhang2C]

K and Kc can mean similar things depending on the context of the problem, but Kp would mean partial pressures while Kc would mean concentration.

[Gillian Ward 1F]

K and Kc are basically the same thing, except that Kc specifically means concentrations like Kp would refer to partial pressures.

[paytonm1H]

Kc is the equilibrium constant with respect to the equilibrium concentrations. Kp is with respect to equilibrium partial pressures (for gases). K is one of these two.