Question

If products are favoured during a reaction, will the reaction take place? Does this also mean that if the reactants are favoured, the reaction will not take place?

Answer 1

Solution:

• Equilibrium constants are used to predict whether a reaction will favor the products or the reactants. If K > 1, the products dominate the mixture. If K < 1, the reactants dominate the mixture.
• If K > 1, the reaction will occur in the forward direction and will occur mostly to completion (it will use up almost all the reactants). If K < 1, it will occur in the reverse direction and will use up almost all the products, turning them into the reactants.
• If a reaction is not at equilibrium, you can use the reaction quotient, Q, to see where the reaction is in the pathway. If Q > K, the reactants are favored. If Q < K, the products are favored. If Q = K, the reaction is at equilibrium.
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