Final answer:
In the equilibrium constant equation, 'x' represents the stoichiometric coefficients from the balanced chemical equation. These coefficients become exponents in the expression for Keq, which defines the ratio of product and reactant concentrations at equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the equation Keq = [products]^x / [reactants]^x, 'x' represents the coefficients of reactants and products in a balanced chemical equation, which become the exponents in the expression for the equilibrium constant (Keq). The Keq is specific to each chemical reaction and indicates the ratio of the concentration of the products to the concentration of the reactants at equilibrium at a given temperature. A high Keq value suggests the reaction predominantly yields products, whereas a low Keq value implies reactants are favored. The concentrations of reactants and products are not arbitrary but are related in a precise mathematical relationship defined by the Keq.
For example, in the chemical equilibrium aA + bB ↔ cC + dD, where lower case letters are the stoichiometric coefficients, the Keq expression would be Keq = [C]^c * [D]^d / [A]^a * [B]^b. This expression allows us to solve for the Keq or for equilibrium concentrations of reactants and products.