The status of a reversible reaction is conveniently assessed by evaluating its reaction quotient (Q). For a reversible reaction described by m A + n B ⇌ x C + y D, the reaction quotient is derived directly from the stoichiometry of the balanced equation as

Eq1

where the subscript c denotes the use of molar concentrations in the expression. If the reactants and products are gaseous, a reaction quotient may be similarly derived using partial pressures:

Eq2

Note that the reaction quotient equations above are a simplification of more rigorous expressions that use relative values for concentrations and pressures rather than absolute values. These relative concentration and pressure values are dimensionless (they have no units); consequently, so are the reaction quotients.

The numerical value of Q varies as a reaction proceeds towards equilibrium; therefore, it can serve as a useful indicator of the reaction’s status. To illustrate this point, consider the oxidation of sulfur dioxide:

Eq3

Two different experimental scenarios are possible here, one in which this reaction is initiated with a mixture of reactants only, SO2 and O2, and another that begins with only product, SO3. For the reaction that begins with a mixture of reactants only, Q is initially equal to zero:

Eq4

As the reaction proceeds toward equilibrium in the forward direction, reactant concentrations decrease (as does the denominator of Qc), product concentration increases (as does the numerator of Qc), and the reaction quotient consequently increases. When equilibrium is achieved, the concentrations of reactants and product remain constant, as does the value of Qc.

If the reaction begins with only product present, the value of Qc is initially undefined (immeasurably large, or infinite):

Eq5

In this case, the reaction proceeds toward equilibrium in the reverse direction. The product concentration and the numerator of Qc decrease with time, the reactant concentrations and the denominator of Qc increase, and the reaction quotient consequently decreases until it becomes constant at equilibrium. The constant value of Q exhibited by a system at equilibrium is called the equilibrium constant, K:

Eq6

Evaluating a Reaction Quotient

Gaseous nitrogen dioxide forms dinitrogen tetroxide according to this equation:

Eq7

When 0.10 mol NO2 is added to a 1.0-L flask at 25 °C, the concentration changes so that at equilibrium, [NO2] = 0.016 M and [N2O4] = 0.042 M. Before any product is formed, [NO2] = 0.10 M and [N2O4] = 0 M. Thus,

Eq8

At equilibrium,

Eq9

This text has been adapted from Openstax, Chemistry 2e, Section 13.2 Equilibrium Constants.

Tags
Reaction QuotientEquilibrium Constant ExpressionMolar ConcentrationsStoichiometric CoefficientsEquilibrium ConstantKcQcQpGaseous ReactionsPartial PressuresDirection Of ReactionSystem At EquilibriumReactantsProducts

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