What is indicated if K equals 1?

When the equilibrium constant (K) equals 1, it indicates that the concentrations of the products and reactants are equal at equilibrium. In chemical reactions, the equilibrium constant is calculated from the concentrations of products and reactants at equilibrium, with products typically in the numerator and reactants in the denominator.

If K is greater than 1, it implies that at equilibrium, products are favored, leading to a greater concentration of products compared to reactants. Conversely, if K is less than 1, it signifies that reactants are favored, resulting in a higher concentration of reactants at equilibrium. Therefore, K equal to 1 represents a state where the concentrations of products and reactants are balanced, meaning they exist in equal proportions. This balance explains why equal concentrations of products and reactants is the correct interpretation of K equaling 1.