What does it mean when a reaction has a large value of K (K>1)?

Question

And, also, what does it mean when a reaction has a small value of K (K<1)?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Answer 1

A large K (equilibrium constant) means that at equilibrium, the concentrations of the products will generally be greater than the concentrations of the reactants. Small K means just the opposite.

K is also related to the standard free energy change (Delta Go). A large K means that delta Go is more negative, and that under standard conditions, the reaction is exergonic and spontaneous. A small K means the reaction is endergonic and not spontaneous.

Answer 2

Typically it means that the reaction favors the formation of one (or more) of the products, i.e. that the ratio of products
to reactants is high, particularly in the case of equilibrium constants like Ka, Kb, Ksp, Keq, etc. Might also imply (if K is a RATE constant) that the reaction is fast, in the written direction.

Answer 3

Consider the reaction:

A <--> B

K = [B]/[A]

if K > 1 then [B] > [A] at equilibrium or the reaction proceed more towards the products (right).

if K < 1 then [B] < [A] at equilibrium or the reaction prceeds more toward the reactants (left).

Answer 4

i believe it means its more soluable.