Extent of Reaction

The extent of reaction describes the degree to which a reaction has proceeded. This variable, plus some notation for describing chemical reactions, helps treat reactions mathematically.

[@beerchi6755]

Hi, great vid, helped me a lot but I am still stuck on one point. what if the reaction has more stoichiometric coefficients on the left than on the right, like 2NO+2H2 --> N2 + 2H2O. we would have -4 squiggle on the left and +3 squiggle on the right and wouldn't have the conservation of quantity of matter. im probably not seeing something

[@PhysicalChemistry]

That's no problem at all. It just means there are fewer *molecules* after the reaction than before. *Matter* is still conserved, because there are 2 N atoms on each side of the reaction, as well as 4 Hatoms and 2 O atoms. There is no such thing as conservation of squiggle. Some of the next few videos in the sequence will use some examples where the stoichiometric coefficients sum to a different number on the left and on the right.

[@beerchi6755]

@@PhysicalChemistry thanks a lot for the Quick answer. Now that you explained it it Made Sense to me. I think i understood the way it works. Thanks a lot for the help again, and you probably saved me a part of my chemistry exam tomorrow. I’m definitely subscribing to the channel !!

[@mrmouse4121]

crystal clear explanation. Thank you very much!

[@PhysicalChemistry]

You're welcome. Glad you found it useful

[@BikiniAndHighHeels]

Are you really just writing backwards?

[@PhysicalChemistry]

No. And I'm not left-handed, either. The image is digitally reversed. More info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j57Ze4mhrq-VgsU

[@mafiameme]

Thank you

[@PhysicalChemistry]

You're welcome

[@insanelymaniac8522]

Thanks

[@PhysicalChemistry]

My pleasure