Equilibrium Constant Calculator
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The equilibrium constant, represented by \(K\), is a crucial parameter in chemistry that defines the ratio of the concentration of products to the concentration of reactants in a chemical reaction at equilibrium. This constant offers insight into the direction and extent of the reaction, allowing chemists to predict whether a reaction favors the formation of products or reactants under certain conditions.
Historical Background
The concept of equilibrium in chemical reactions has been a foundational aspect of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics since the 19th century. The equilibrium constant itself is derived from the law of mass action, which was formulated by Cato Maximilian Guldberg and Peter Waage in 1864. This law proposes that for a reversible chemical reaction at equilibrium and at a constant temperature, a certain ratio of reactant and product concentrations remains constant.
Calculation Formula
The equilibrium constant formula is given by:
\[ K = \frac{[C]^c \cdot [D]^d}{[A]^a \cdot [B]^b} \]
where:
- \(K\) is the equilibrium constant,
- \([A]\),