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A Greek gamma, correcting concentration to effective concentration.
Also known as: Activity coefficient, Gamma coefficient, Non-ideality factor
The activity coefficient converts a concentration into an activity — what the species behaves as if its concentration were. It is one in an ideal solution and departs from one as ions crowd each other, which is why equilibrium constants calculated from concentrations drift in concentrated solutions.
Denotes the activity coefficient: the ratio of a species' thermodynamic activity to its concentration.
Contexts: Laboratory
Equals one in an ideal solution and departs from one as interionic interactions become significant, which is why dilute solutions are treated as ideal.
Contexts: Laboratory
Is why an equilibrium constant expressed in concentrations is not truly constant across ionic strengths, while one expressed in activities is.
Contexts: Laboratory
A Greek lowercase gamma, a stroke descending below the line crossed by a rising stroke.