Kp Does Not Play the Role of the Thermodynamic Equilibrium Constant, Ko: A Discussed Example on General Chemistry Textbooks’ Misrepresentations
Kp Does Not Play the Role of the Thermodynamic Equilibrium Constant, Ko: A Discussed Example on General Chemistry Textbooks’ Misrepresentations

Summary/Abstract: Equilibrium constants are important quantities when dealing with chemical equilibrium. Many first-year chemistry textbook authors do not define these terms accurately and confusion arises when reporting them. On this regard, this research discusses a common erroneous treatment performed on the teaching equilibrium constants as many textbook authors assume that the practical equilibrium constant Kp plays the role of the thermodynamic equilibrium constant, Kº. Thus, many authors also state that Kp is a unitless quantity. Hence, after documenting a particular case that exemplifies some widespread terminological misrepresentations related to the handling of the equilibrium constants, which prompts to reviewing the proper definition of each of the terms analysed, one example is presented in order to illustrate the correct treatment of the quantities involved. This analysis may help in the discussion and clarification of the misleading conventions and assumptions reported in this study.

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