alleryStart learning →If the reaction quotient is greater than the equilibrium constant, the reaction will proceed:
AIn both directions equally
BIn the reverse direction
CIn the forward direction
DIn neither direction
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. In the reverse direction
1. Comparing the quotient with the constant tells you which way the system must move.
2. Too much product relative to equilibrium means the numerator of the quotient is too large.
3. The reaction quotient for such a mixture is initially greater than the equilibrium constant
so this mixture will proceed in the reverse direction until equilibrium is established.
4. The reverse reaction consumes product and rebuilds reactant.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 13 'Fundamental Equilibrium Concepts', sections 13.1-13.4_
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