Exponents and the K constant

[Vincent Leong 2B]

Why do we use the coefficients in a reaction as exponents in the K constant? What do they imply?

[Letty Liu 2C]

We use exponents to indicate there are two moles of something reacting to form the molecule. Please correct me if I’m wrong!

[William Francis 2E]

We don't need to know how the K equation, [products]^x/[reactants]^y is derived. I do not believe that making the coefficients exponents has any obvious conceptual implication.

[Chantel_2I]

We are essentially multiplying the concentrations of all the products. So if you have R1+R2 <-> 2P, it's like having P + P, so to find K, we multiply [P]x[P], so [P]^2.

[Bryan Chen 1H]

i dont think you need to know how its derived but prof. jukka keranen teaches you how K is derived in his ls30A lecture if youre interested.