What is keq?

Keq, also known as the equilibrium constant, is a mathematical representation of the ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations at equilibrium in a chemical reaction. It is denoted by the equation Keq = [products] / [reactants].

Keq is a measure of how far a reaction proceeds towards completion at equilibrium. A Keq greater than 1 indicates that the reaction favors the formation of products, while a Keq less than 1 indicates that the reaction favors the formation of reactants.

Keq is temperature-dependent, meaning that the value of Keq can change as the temperature of a reaction changes. In general, an increase in temperature will shift the equilibrium towards the side with a higher enthalpy (either the reactants or products), resulting in a change in Keq.

Keq is an important concept in chemical equilibrium and is used to determine the direction in which a reaction will shift to reach equilibrium. It is also used to calculate reaction quotients, predict the behavior of reactions under different conditions, and determine the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium.