Final answer:
When Kc is much greater than 1, like 10¹⁰, it means that the equilibrium heavily favors the formation of products, indicating a reaction that goes almost to completion.
Large Kc values simplify equilibrium calculations because the amount of reactants that convert into products is significant.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Kc >> 1, such as 10¹⁰, it indicates that at equilibrium there is a greater concentration of products than reactants. In this case, the products are favored in the reaction.
A very large equilibrium constant, like Kc of 10¹⁰, suggests that the reaction proceeds almost to completion, meaning the formation of products is highly favored over the reactants.
On the contrary, a small value of Kc would signify that reactants predominate at equilibrium. Kc values are based on molar concentrations, while Kp values are based on partial pressures, but both reflect the ratio of product to reactant concentration at equilibrium.
When Kc is significantly greater than 1, we can make certain assumptions to simplify calculations, such as assuming that the dissociation of a complex ion is very small, or that its concentration remains almost unchanged.
This is reflected in the equilibrium expression by the term 'x' being very small when compared to the starting concentrations of the reactants.