K, Kc, Kp

[SohelaBedi1E]

Can someone please clarify the difference between K and Kc? Also, how does this relate to Kp?

[Isabel Pon 1D]

K is the general term for the equilibrium constant. Kc is the equilibrium constant used when you are using equilibrium concentration values expressed in molarity. Meanwhile, Kp is the equilibrium constant used when you are using equilibrium concentration values expressed in atmospheric pressure. I hope this helped!

[Sabrina_Huang_1K]

If I'm not mistaken, Kc and K can be used interchangeably and Kp is specific to equilibriums constants for gases because gases are measured by partial pressures. If the chemical equation does not have any gases you can use Kc or K but if you are measuring the equilibrium constant for a chemical equation with gases then you would use Kp.

[Amber1L]

K is the overall term for the equilibrium constant whereas Kc is specific to concentrations regarding molarity and Kp is specific to gases regarding atmospheric pressure.

[Rylee Kubo 2K]

Just to add onto what others have said, K and Kc refer to the equilibrium constants of reactions based on concentration (molarity) whereas Kp refers to the equilibrium constants calculated using partial pressures (only applies for gases). They are all calculated using the structure (products/reactants).