The value of the reaction quotient will tend toward the equilibrium constant over time. If the reaction quotient is less than the equilibrium constant, the concentrations of the products must increase and the reaction will proceed in the forward direction until equilibrium is restored. If the reaction quotient is more than the equilibrium constant, the concentration of the products must decrease and the reaction will run in the reverse direction until equilibrium is restored. If the reaction quotient equals the equilibrium constant, the reaction is at equilibrium.
Equilibrium constants can be used to calculate the concentrations of reactants or products at given points during the reaction, as per the following examples.
