1. What is Reaction Quotient?

The reaction quotient (Q) measures the relative amounts of products and reactants present during a reaction at a particular point in time. It helps predict the direction of the reaction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the reaction quotient formula:

Where:

• \( [products] \) — Molar concentration of products
• \( [reactants] \) — Molar concentration of reactants

Explanation: Q is calculated by dividing the product of the concentrations of the reaction products by the product of the concentrations of the reactants.

3. Importance of Q Calculation

Details: Comparing Q to the equilibrium constant (K) determines whether a reaction will proceed forward (Q < K), reverse (Q > K), or is at equilibrium (Q = K).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter concentrations in molarity (M). Reactants concentration must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between Q and K?
A: Q describes the current state of the reaction, while K describes the equilibrium state.

Q2: What does Q = 1 mean?
A: When Q = 1, the concentrations of products and reactants are equal, but this doesn't necessarily mean equilibrium.

Q3: How do you handle coefficients in the equation?
A: Each concentration should be raised to the power of its stoichiometric coefficient in the balanced equation.

Q4: What units does Q have?
A: Q is dimensionless, though it's calculated from concentration terms.

Q5: Can Q be used for gas-phase reactions?
A: Yes, but partial pressures are used instead of concentrations for gases.