Why Does the Equilibrium Constant Depend Only on Temperature?

AI Thread Summary
The equilibrium constant (K) is defined by the ratio of concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium and remains constant at a given temperature, regardless of changes in concentration or partial pressure. When products or reactants are added, the reaction quotient (Q) changes, but the system will adjust until Q equals K, restoring equilibrium. This adjustment reflects the dynamic nature of chemical reactions, where the system self-regulates to maintain the equilibrium constant. The relationship between K and temperature is crucial, as K varies with temperature changes but remains unaffected by concentration shifts. Understanding these principles clarifies how equilibrium is established and maintained in chemical systems.
Scharles
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why the equilibrium constant only depending on temperature but not concentration and partial pressure ?

Since K= [product]/[reactants], why the value of K remain the same as [product]or [reactant] increase ?
 
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When you add products or reactants Q - so called reaction quotient, defined identically as K - changes its value. However, after that system will react and concentrations of products and reactants will change till Q=K. K describes system at equilibrium, Q describes system at any moment.
 
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isn't mean that the ratio of [products] / [reactants] remain unchanged after the system is adjusted to equilibrium ??
 
Scharles said:
isn't mean that the ratio of [products] / [reactants] remain unchanged after the system is adjusted to equilibrium ??

System is not adjusted, system adjusts itself. It is not just ratio of products/reactants we are talking about, but reaction quotient, which is more complicated than simple ratio. And finally this is not a correct phrase and I have troubles trying to decipher what you are asking about. Please elaborate.
 
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