Science, Tech, Math › Science Equilibrium Constant and Reaction Quotient Example Problem Using Reaction Quotient to Predict Reaction Direction Share Flipboard Email Print Use the reaction quotient to predict the direction of a chemical reaction. Steve McAlister, Getty Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Todd Helmenstine Todd Helmenstine is a science writer and illustrator who has taught physics and math at the college level. He holds bachelor's degrees in both physics and mathematics. our editorial process Todd Helmenstine Updated December 05, 2018 In chemistry, the reaction quotient Q relates the amounts of products and reactants in a chemical reaction at a given point in time. If the reaction quotient is compared with the equilibrium constant, the direction of the reaction may be known. This example problem demonstrates how to use the reaction quotient to predict the direction of a chemical reaction towards equilibrium.Problem:Hydrogen and Iodine gas react together to form hydrogen iodide gas. The equation for this reaction isH2(g) + I2(g) ↔ 2HI(g)The equilibrium constant for this reaction is 7.1 x 102 at 25 °C. If the current concentration of gases are[H2]0 = 0.81 M[I2]0 = 0.44 M[HI]0 = 0.58 Mwhat direction will the reaction shift to reach equilibrium?SolutionTo predict the direction of equilibrium of a reaction, the reaction quotient is used. The reaction quotient, Q, is calculated in the same way as the equilibrium constant, K. Q uses the current or initial concentrations instead of the equilibrium concentrations used to calculate K.<br/>Once found, the reaction quotient is compared to the equilibrium constant. If Q < K, there there are more reactants present that at equilibrium and reaction will shift to the right.If Q > K, then there are more products present than equilibrium and the reaction will need to produce more reactants shifting the reaction to the left.If Q = K, then the reaction is already at equilibrium and there will be no shift. Step 1 - Find QQ = [HI]02/[H2]0·[I2]0Q = (0.58 M)2/(0.81 M)(0.44 M)Q = 0.34/.35Q = 0.94Step 2 - Compare Q to KK = 7.1 x 102 or 710 Q = 0.94 Q is less than K Answer:The reaction will shift to the right to produce more hydrogen iodide gas to reach equilibrium. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Todd. "Equilibrium Constant and Reaction Quotient Example Problem." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/equilibrium-constant-and-reaction-quotient-problem-609486. Helmenstine, Todd. (2020, August 25). Equilibrium Constant and Reaction Quotient Example Problem. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/equilibrium-constant-and-reaction-quotient-problem-609486 Helmenstine, Todd. "Equilibrium Constant and Reaction Quotient Example Problem." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/equilibrium-constant-and-reaction-quotient-problem-609486 (accessed January 27, 2021). copy citation