Okuzeka
Chemistry vocabulary · Energy, Reaction Rates and Equilibrium

Equilibrium constant

Meaning in chemistry, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In chemistry, equilibrium constant means: A number, K, that relates the concentrations or pressures of the products to those of the reactants when a reaction is at equilibrium. A large value means the products are favored.

In Turkish: denge sabiti

How it is used

Used in general, analytical and physical chemistry. You write the expression for K, calculate it and compare it with the reaction quotient Q. Kc uses concentrations and Kp partial pressures; Ka and Kb describe acid and base strength. K changes only with temperature.

Example sentences

  1. Write the equilibrium constant expression for the formation of ammonia.

  2. Because the equilibrium constant is very small, almost no product forms.

Common collocations

  • equilibrium constant expression
  • Kc and Kp
  • acid dissociation constant
  • large equilibrium constant
  • chemical equilibriumThe state of a reversible reaction in which the forward and reverse reactions run at the same rate, so the amounts of reactants and products stay constant.
  • Le Chatelier's principleThe rule that when a system at equilibrium is disturbed by a change in concentration, pressure or temperature, the equilibrium shifts in the direction that reduces the effect of the change.
  • concentrationThe amount of a substance in a given volume of solution or mixture, for example in moles per liter (mol/L), grams per liter or parts per million (ppm).
  • strong acidAn acid that ionizes almost completely in water, releasing nearly all of its hydrogen ions. Hydrochloric, nitric and sulfuric acid are common examples.

More terms: Energy, Reaction Rates and Equilibrium

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: