In chemical reactions, equilibrium is a dynamic state where the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, leading to constant concentrations of reactants and products. The equilibrium constant (K) quantifies this balance, while the reaction quotient (Q) compares the current ratio of products to reactants. When Q equals K, the system is at equilibrium. The Gibbs free energy (G) is a thermodynamic quantity that indicates the spontaneity of a reaction; a negative change in G (
∆G) suggests a spontaneous reaction favoring the products, while a positive ∆G indicates a reaction likely to proceed in reverse. Key relationships include ∆G = ∆G° + RT ln Q, and at equilibrium ∆G = 0, leading to the fundamental equation: ∆G° = -RT ln K. Understanding these relationships aids chemists in manipulating conditions to achieve desired reaction pathways.