In the equation K = [C]^c [D]^d / [A]^a [B]^b, what do the lowercase letters represent?

In the equation ( K = \frac{[C]^c [D]^d}{[A]^a [B]^b} ), the lowercase letters represent the coefficients of the balanced chemical equation. When calculating the equilibrium constant ( K ), the terms in the brackets denote the concentrations of the species involved in the reaction, while the lowercase letters ( a, b, c, ) and ( d ) correspond to the stoichiometric coefficients from the balanced equation.

For example, in a reaction like ( aA + bB \rightleftharpoons cC + dD ), the coefficients ( a, b, c, ) and ( d ) would dictate how the concentrations of ( A, B, C, ) and ( D ) are raised to the power of these coefficients in the equilibrium expression. This is essential for calculating the concentration equilibrium constant accurately, as it reflects the ratio of products to reactants as dictated by the stoichiometry of the balanced equation.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the relationship between the coefficients and the equilibrium constant expression, highlighting the importance of stoichiometry in chemical equilibrium calculations.