THE EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT The equilibrium constant (K) defines the position of the equilibrium as follows: If the value of K is less than 1, there will be little product when equilibrium is reached. If the value of K is greater then one there will be a large quantity of product when equilibrium is reached. The larger the value of K, the more product will accumulate for that reaction. Each reaction has a specific value of K. Only temperature can change K. K IS THE RATIO OF PRODUCTS TO REACTANTS. MORE PRODUCTS CORRESPOND TO A LARGER K!. [products] [reactants] K =

[products] K = = [products] K = = [C] [D]3 [A] [B]2 [N2] [H2]3 A + 2B = C + 3D [C] [D]3 [A] [B]2 [products] [reactants] K = = N2 + 3H2 = 2NH3 [NH3]2 [N2] [H2]3 [products] [reactants] K = =