Overview

mass action


Show Summary Details

Quick Reference

The law of mass action states that the rate at which a chemical reaction takes place at a given temperature is proportional to the product of the active masses of the reactants. The active mass of a reactant is taken to be its molar concentration. For example, for a reaction xA+yB → products the rate is given by R=k[A]x[B]y where k is the rate constant. The principle was introduced by C. M. Guldberg and P. Waage in 1863. It is strictly correct only for ideal gases. In real cases activities can be used. See also equilibrium constant.

xA+yB → products

R=k[A]x[B]y

Subjects: Chemistry.

Related content in Oxford Index

See all related items in Oxford Index »

Reference entries
mass action
in A Dictionary of Physics

Reference Entry

mass action
in A Dictionary of Chemistry

Reference Entry

mass action
in The Oxford Companion to the History of Modern Science

Reference Entry

mass action, law of
in Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Reference Entry

See all related reference entries in Oxford Index »

Search for the text `mass action' anywhere in Oxford Index »

Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content. Please, subscribe or login to access all content.