Stability of reactants and products

[Jordan Guzman 3A]

How do we determine whether reactants or products are more stable based on the reaction quotient?

[Star_Garcia_3B]

If the reaction quotient (Q) is less than the equilibrium constant (K), the system favors the formation of products, indicating they are more stable. If Q is greater than K, the system favors reactants, suggesting they are more stable. At equilibrium (Q = K), concentrations of reactants and products are balanced.

[706028301]

The reaction quotient (Q) is compared to the equilibrium constant (K) to determine whether reactants or products are more stable in a given reaction. If Q < K, the reaction will proceed forward, favoring the production of products and indicating that, under the current conditions, products are more stable than reactants. Conversely, if Q > K, the reaction tends to proceed in the reverse direction, suggesting that reactants are more stable than products under those conditions.