Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In this context, K refers to the equilibrium constant, which is a numerical value that expresses the extent to which reactants are converted into products at equilibrium for a given chemical reaction equation.
Related terms
Le Chatelier's Principle: A principle stating that when stressors are applied to an equilibrium system, such as changes in concentration, pressure, or temperature, the system will shift in order to minimize those stresses.
Similar conceptually to K but calculated using concentrations or partial pressures of reactants and products at any point during a reaction rather than solely at equilibrium.
Equilibrium Expression: Mathematical representation of an equilibrium reaction using concentrations or partial pressures of reactants and products.