How does temperature affect the position of equilibrium if the reaction is exothermic?

Imagine the reaction A + B <-> C+D where the forward reaction is exothermic. If we increase the temperature of the surroundings, the equilibrium is going to shift to the direction that reduces the temperature. Since we know that endothermic reactions take in heat from the surroundings, and so make the surroundings colder, this means that the equilibrium is going to shift to favour the endothermic direction in order to counteract the increase in temperature. That means the reaction will go in the backwards direction and so produce more A+B.Using the same idea, if we decrease the temperature of the surroundings, the equilibrium wants to shift to increase the temperature, so it will shift in the exothermic direction which gives off heat. That means the reaction is going to go forwards, and so produce more C+D.

Answered by Frances A. Chemistry tutor

4916 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What evidences are used to prove that Benzene's kekule model is incorrect and that Benzene has a delocalised Pi structure.


Why is a water molecule non-linear?


Explain the trend in ionisation energies for the group one metals?


Can you explain Le Chatelier's Principle?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences