Answer to Question #104335 in General Chemistry for Praveen

Question

What is reaction quotient and how its work for determining the direction of given reaction

Answer 1

The expression for the reaction quotient, Q, looks like that used to calculate an equilibrium constant but Q can be calculated for any set of conditions, not just for equilibrium.

Q can be used to determine which direction a reaction will shift to reach equilibrium. If K > Q, a reaction will proceed forward, converting reactants into products. If K < Q, the reaction will proceed in the reverse direction, converting products into reactants. If Q = K then the system is already at equilibrium.