The Equilibrium Constant

Writing and reading K

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• K = products^coefficients ÷ reactants^coefficients; leave out solids and pure liquids.
• Big K → mostly products; small K → mostly reactants.
• Reverse reaction: K becomes 1/K.

Steps

1. Products over reactants
2. Write it
3. From measurements
4. What the size of K tells you
5. Solids drop out
6. Turn it around