How do you calculate Keq?

1 Answer
Aug 21, 2016

See below.

Explanation:

The equilibrium constant of a reaction under the general form:

A(g)+B(g)C(g)+D(g)

can be calculated by the general expression of Keq as follows:

Keq=[Products][Reactants]

Therefore, Keq=[C][D][A][B]=Kc

If the reactants and products are gases, we can also calculate the equilibrium constant using pressures, in this case the equilibrium constant is called KP:

KP=PC×PDPA×PB

Note that, if any of the reactants or products are in the liquid or solid states, these are not included in the expression of the equilibrium constant.

For example, consider the following general reaction:

A(g)+B(l)C(g)+D(s)

Thus, the equilibrium constant Kc expression is written as:

Kc=[C][A]

or using pressures as:

KP=PCPA

Note that aqueous state is treated as gases, however, we don't calculate KP in this case from pressures, therefore, we only find Kc:

A(aq)+B(aq)C(aq)+D(aq)

Kc=[C][D][A][B]

This lesson could be even discussed with more details. I recommend that you watch the following video which is one of an entire chapter of five videos on chemical equilibrium:
Chemical Equilibrium | The Equilibrium Conditions.