Equilibrium Constant as Solution to the Open Chemical Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new formula linking equilibrium constant to the composition of open chemical systems at any state, extending thermodynamics beyond isolated systems and enabling analysis of real, complex chemical objects.

Contribution

It presents a novel formula that relates equilibrium constant to system composition in open systems, expanding the scope of thermodynamics.

Findings

New formula connects equilibrium constant with open system composition

Allows analysis of multiple subsystems with resource limitations

Enables fundamental advances in open systems thermodynamics

Abstract

According to contemporary views, equilibrium constant is relevant only to true thermodynamic equilibria in isolated systems with one chemical reaction. The paper presents a novel formula that ties-up equilibrium constant and chemical system composition at any state, isolated or open as well. Extending the logarithmic logistic map of the Discrete Thermodynamics of Chemical Equilibria, this formula maps the system population at isolated equilibrium into the population at any open equilibrium at p,T=const, using equilibrium constant as a measure. Real chemical systems comprise multiple subsystems; given the resources are limited, joint solution to the set of such expressions, each relevant to a specific subsystem, gives equilibrium composition for each of them. This result means a fundamental break through in the open systems thermodynamics and leads to formerly unknown opportunities in the analysis of real chemical objects.