Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
"Qc" stands for "Reaction Quotient Concentration" and represents the ratio of the concentrations of products raised to their stoichiometric coefficients, divided by the ratio of the concentrations of reactants raised to their stoichiometric coefficients at a given point in a chemical reaction.
Qc is used in comparison to "Kc," the "Equilibrium Constant Concentration," to determine the direction in which a chemical reaction at equilibrium will shift. If Qc is less than Kc, the reaction will shift in the direction that increases the concentration of products, so as to reach a new state of equilibrium with Kc. Conversely, if Qc is greater than Kc, the reaction will shift in the direction that increases the concentration of reactants, so as to reach a new state of equilibrium with Kc.
In other words, if Qc is equal to Kc, the reaction is at its state of equilibrium, and any changes to the concentrations of reactants or products will cause the reaction to shift until a new state of equilibrium is reached with the updated Kc value. If Qc is not equal to Kc, the reaction will shift until it reaches a state of equilibrium with the updated Kc value.