Law of mass action

Definition

The law of mass action states that the rate of a chemical reaction is directly proportional to the product of the concentrations of the reactants. It is fundamental in understanding how reactions proceed and reach equilibrium.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1. The law of mass action helps predict how changes in concentration affect reaction rates.
2. 2. It is crucial for understanding dynamic equilibrium in reversible reactions.
3. 3. The law can be expressed with the equilibrium constant (K_eq), which relates the concentrations of products and reactants at equilibrium.
4. 4. The principle assumes ideal behavior, where interactions between molecules are negligible.
5. 5. It forms the basis for deriving rate laws used in chemical kinetics.

Review Questions

• 1. How does the law of mass action relate to reaction rates?
• 2. What is the significance of the equilibrium constant (K_eq) in the context of this law?
• 3. How does a change in reactant concentration affect a reaction according to this law?

Related terms

Equilibrium Constant (K_eq): A numerical value that expresses the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium for a given reaction

Reaction Rate: The speed at which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction

Dynamic Equilibrium: A state where the forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, resulting in no net change in concentrations