Question

What are the applications of equilibrium constant?

Answer 1

The equilibrium constant $\left({\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{C}}\right)$ for a reaction has the following applications :

• On the basis of the value of the equilibrium constant, it is possible to predict the direction of a chemical reaction. Depending upon the relative values of and ${\mathrm{Q}}_{\mathrm{C}}$, the direction of a chemical reaction can be predicted where ${\mathrm{Q}}_{\mathrm{C}}$ is the reaction quotient. (reaction quotient is the ratio of the molar concentration of the reactants to the products at any stage of the reaction.)

If ${\mathrm{Q}}_{\mathrm{C}}={\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{C}}$, then the reaction is at equilibrium.

If ${\mathrm{Q}}_{\mathrm{C}}>{\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{C}}$, then the reaction proceeds in the backward direction.

If ${\mathrm{Q}}_{\mathrm{C}}<{\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{C}}$, then the reaction proceeds in the forward direction.

• On the basis of the value of the equilibrium constant, the extent to which a chemical reaction takes place can be known. A greater value of ${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{C}}$ implies that the reaction proceeds towards the products and the yield of the products will be more while a lower value of ${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{C}}$ indicates the lesser yield of products.
• ${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathrm{C}}$ values help in the calculation of the equilibrium concentrations of various substances in the reaction.