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Ch.15 - Chemical Equilibrium
Chapter 15, Problem 41a

(a) If Qc < Kc, in which direction will a reaction proceed in order to reach equilibrium?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Reaction Quotient (Q<sub>c</sub>)

The reaction quotient, Q<sub>c</sub>, is a measure of the relative concentrations of products and reactants at any point in a reaction. It is calculated using the same expression as the equilibrium constant (K<sub>c</sub>), but with the current concentrations instead of equilibrium concentrations. Q<sub>c</sub> helps determine the direction in which a reaction will shift to reach equilibrium.
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Reaction Quotient Q

Equilibrium Constant (K<sub>c</sub>)

The equilibrium constant, K<sub>c</sub>, is a value that expresses the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction at a specific temperature. It is a fixed value for a particular reaction under specified conditions. Comparing Q<sub>c</sub> to K<sub>c</sub> allows us to predict the direction of the reaction's shift towards equilibrium.
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Le Chatelier's Principle

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed by a change in concentration, temperature, or pressure, the system will adjust to counteract the disturbance and restore a new equilibrium. In the context of Q<sub>c</sub> and K<sub>c</sub>, if Q<sub>c</sub> is less than K<sub>c</sub>, the reaction will shift to the right, favoring the formation of products to achieve equilibrium.
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