An equilibrium constant with a value greater than 1 means the reaction favors the
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
An equilibrium constant with a value greater than 1 means the reaction favors the products.
Explanation
In chemical reactions, the equilibrium constant (KKK) is a numerical value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium. For a general reversible reaction:aA+bB⇌cC+dDaA + bB \rightleftharpoons cC + dDaA+bB⇌cC+dD
the equilibrium constant expression is written as:K=[C]c[D]d[A]a[B]bK = \frac{[C]^c[D]^d}{[A]^a[B]^b}K=[A]a[B]b[C]c[D]d
This expression shows that KKK depends on the concentrations (or pressures, for gases) of the substances involved once the reaction has reached equilibrium. It provides insight into the position of equilibrium — that is, whether the products or reactants are favored once the reaction has stabilized.
If the value of KKK is greater than 1, this indicates that, at equilibrium, the concentration of products is greater than that of the reactants. In other words, the numerator of the equilibrium expression (representing the products) is larger than the denominator (representing the reactants). This means that the reaction has proceeded significantly toward the right — in the direction of the products — before reaching equilibrium. Thus, a large KKK value suggests that the products are favored and the forward reaction is predominant.
Conversely, if KKK is less than 1, the equilibrium position lies to the left, meaning that the reactants are favored, and the reverse reaction is more significant.
When K=1K = 1K=1, neither reactants nor products are particularly favored; significant amounts of both are present at equilibrium.
Understanding the equilibrium constant allows chemists to predict the extent of a reaction and how changes in concentration, pressure, or temperature may shift the equilibrium. A reaction with a large equilibrium constant (much greater than 1) can often be considered to go essentially to completion under standard conditions.
