Chemistry · Equilibrium involving chemical processes: Law of chemical equilibrium, equilibrium constants (Kp and Kc) and their significance, the significance of Delta G and Delta G° in chemical equilibrium

The reaction quotient ( ) predicts

The reaction quotient ( \( Q \) ) predicts

  • A. the direction of equilibrium to be attained
  • B. the ratio of activities at equilibrium, i.e., \( K_{c} \)
  • C. the ratio of activities at any time
  • D. all of the above

Step-by-step solution

The reaction quotient Q is defined as the ratio of activities at any point in time, but its predictive power comes from comparing Q with the equilibrium constant K. If Q < K, the forward reaction is favored; if Q > K, the reverse reaction is favored; if Q = K, the system is at equilibrium. Thus, Q predicts the direction the reaction will proceed to reach equilibrium. Option B is incorrect because Q is not the ratio at equilibrium (that is K), and option C describes Q's definition, not a prediction.
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