K and Q

[AMahadi]

If K and Q are equal, does that mean that the system is at an equilibrium? If so, why?

[Ally Huang- 1F]

If K and Q are equal that means the system is at equilibrium because the ratio of the products to reactants is the same for K and Q and therefore, the system has the correct ratio of products to reactants needed for equilibrium. Since Q is equal to K the reaction will not favor one direction but will proceed at equal rates in both directions.

[pmokh14B]

Yes, because when Q is equal to K the ratio of products to the reactants at the moment in question is the concentrations for the equilibrium of that reaction.

[Sjeffrey_1C]

Additionally, if K and Q aren't equal, you know the equation is not in equilibrium. So If Q < K at some time during reaction, then [R] > [P] and the forward reaction is favored. If Q > K at some time during reaction, then [P] > [R] and the reverse reaction is favored.

[HuyHa_2H]

Yes, because the equation used to find both are the exact same. The K value is when the reaction is at equilibrium so if Q equates to that then the reaction is definitely at equilibrium as well.

[Grace Jansen 2A]

Yes. If Q>K, then the reaction will create more reactants and if Q<K, the reaction will create more products.