(1)Define the concept “Reaction

Quotient.”

(2)Interpret the value of

“Reaction Quotient” relative
to Equilibrium Constant..
 Importance of the equilibrium
constant
The equilibrium constant helps us to;
 predict the direction in which a reaction
will proceed
 calculate the equilibrium concentrations of
reactants and products.

We are able to predict the direction of change

of the reaction by comparing the equilibrium
constant (Kc) with the reaction quotient
(Qc).
 Reaction Quotient
 The reaction quotient, Qc, is the same as
the equilibrium constant expression, but
for partial pressures or concentrations of
the reactants and products before the
system reaches equilibrium.

 It is the relative proportion of products

and reactants present in the reaction
mixture at some instant in time (before
or after equilibrium).
 Reaction Quotient
 For a reaction:-
aA(aq) + bB(aq) cC(aq) + dD(aq)

 The reaction quotient, Q, is the same as the

equilibrium constant:-
[C(aq)]c[D(aq)]d
[A(aq)]a[B(aq)]b

NOTE: The only difference is that the concentration of

reactants and products are at a particular time
other than equilibrium.
 Reaction Quotient
 If Qc < Kc : The reaction will shift to the
right (i.e. in the forward direction, and thus
more products will form)

 If Qc > Kc : The reaction will shift to the

left (i.e. in the reverse direction, and thus
more reactants will form)

 If Qc = Kc : The reaction is at equilibrium

Using Kc to predict direction of change
Consider the equilibrium system;

2NO2(g) ⇌ N2O4 (g) Kc = 8.8 at 298 K

Analysis of the system shows that 2.0 x 10-3

moles NO2 and 1.5 x 10-3 moles of N2O4 are
present in a 10L flask. Is the system at
equilibrium? If it is not, does [NO2] increase
or decrease on proceeding to equilibrium?
Using Kc to predict direction of change
Qc = [N2O4]
[NO2]2
[N2O4] = 2.0x10-3 mol /10 L = 2.0x10-4 M
[NO2] = 1.5x10-3 mol/10 L = 1.5x10-4 M

Qc = [2.0x10-4 M] = 3750
[1.5x10-4 M]2

Since Qc > Kc; the reaction will proceed to the

left to achieve equilibrium. [NO2] will increase.
Using Kc to calculate eqm conc
E.g. Consider the reaction;

H2(g) + I2(g) ⇌ 2HI(g) Kc = 54.3 at 703 K.

The initial concentration of HI is 0.040M.

Calculate the concentration of HI, H2 & I2 at
equilibrium.
Using Kc to calculate eqm conc
Species [H2] [I2] [HI]
Initial 0 0 0.040
Change x x -2x
Equilibrium x x 0.040 – 2x
Using Kc to calculate eqm conc
𝐻𝐼 2
𝐾𝑐 = = 54.3
𝐻2 𝐼2

𝒙 = 0.0018
 So, [H2] = 0.0018 M,
 [I2] = 0.0018 M
 [HI] = 0.040 -2(0.0018) = 0.036 M