Question

How does delta G affect keq?

Answer 1

The change in Gibbs Free Energy (`DeltaG`) for any reaction is related to the equilibrium constant `K_(eq)` by the simple equation:

`DeltaG=-RT lnK_(eq)`

where `R` is the universal gas constant, 8.314 J/mol-K and `T` is the temperature of the system in Kelvins.

If `DeltaG` is negative, then `K > 1`, which means that the reaction will be spontaneous in the forward direction when all species are present in standard concentrations (1 bar for gases, 1 M for solutes).

If `DeltaG > 0` then the reverse reaction is spontaneous from standard conditions.