Chemistry / Unit 10 Chem 1764 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Comparing Q to K Predicts Direction
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The idea
A reaction proceeds forward if Q is less than K, reverse if Q is greater than K, and is already at equilibrium if Q equals K.
In practice
A reaction mixture with Q = 2 and K = 50 still has far to run forward before reaching equilibrium.
Where people slip
Comparing Q to zero, instead of to K, gives no directional information at all.
Your place on the trail
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