Equilibrium constant (Kc, Kp) calculator

Grasping the concept of equilibrium constants is foundational for anyone diving into the field of chemistry. These constants, Kc and Kp, elucidate the extent to which a chemical reaction progresses to completion, providing insights into whether the reactants or products are favored at equilibrium.

• What is Kc (Equilibrium Constant in terms of Concentration)?
• What is Kp (Equilibrium Constant in terms of Partial Pressure)?
• Relationship Between Kc and Kp
• Utilizing the Calculator: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is Kc (Equilibrium Constant in terms of Concentration)?

Kc is the equilibrium constant that is defined based on the molar concentrations of reactants and products. It is calculated for a generic reaction of the form aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD, where A, B, C, and D are the chemical species involved and a, b, c, and d are their respective stoichiometric coefficients. The expression for Kc is given by:

In this expression, the brackets represent the molar concentrations of the substances at equilibrium.

What is Kp (Equilibrium Constant in terms of Partial Pressure)?

Kp, on the other hand, is the equilibrium constant when dealing with gases. It is expressed in terms of the partial pressures of the reactants and products. For the same generic reaction, the equilibrium constant Kp is represented as:

Here, P_A, P_B, P_C, and P_D denote the partial pressures of the gases at equilibrium.

Relationship Between Kc and Kp

The relationship between Kc and Kp is intrinsically linked through the Ideal Gas Law. This relationship is defined by the equation:

Where R is the universal gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and Δn is the change in the number of moles of gas during the reaction.

Understanding Kc and Kp is vital as they offer valuable insights into the position of equilibrium, indicating the favorability of reactants or products. A high value of Kc or Kp implies the reaction tends towards producing more products, while a lower value denotes that the reactants are favored.

Utilizing the Calculator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating our calculator is a breeze, designed to cater to users worldwide. Follow these straightforward steps to calculate Kc and Kp:

1. Input the Balanced Equation: Begin by inserting the coefficients of the balanced chemical equation for both reactants and products.
2. Enter Concentrations/Pressures: For Kc, input the concentrations, and for Kp, enter the partial pressures of both reactants and products.
3. Calculate: You will receive the Kc and Kp values automatically.