Q (Reaction Quotient)

Definition

The reaction quotient 'Q' measures the relative amounts of products and reactants present during a reaction at any point in time. It is the same expression as the equilibrium constant, but doesn't imply that the system is at equilibrium.

Related terms

Equilibrium Constant (K):

The ratio of concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium.

Le Chatelier's Principle: A principle stating that if a change is made to a system at equilibrium, the system will adjust itself to partially counteract that change.

Chemical Equilibrium:

A state in which both reactants and products are present in concentrations which have no further tendency to change with time.