Law of Mass Action in Chemistry

Law of Mass Action

• The law of mass action is used to describe the equilibrium of a reversible reaction, where the rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal.

Mathematical Expression

• The mathematical expression of the law of mass action is: K = [C]^c [D]^d / [A]^a [B]^b, where K is the equilibrium constant, and [A], [B], [C], and [D] are the concentrations of reactants and products, respectively.

Equilibrium Constant (K)

• The equilibrium constant (K) represents the ratio of the product of the concentrations of the products to the product of the concentrations of the reactants, at equilibrium.

Significance of K > 1

• When K is greater than 1, the equilibrium favors the formation of products, meaning that the reaction tends to proceed towards the products side.

Effect of Concentration on Equilibrium

• Increasing the concentration of reactants shifts the equilibrium to the right, favoring the formation of products, as the system attempts to reduce the concentration of reactants by forming more products.