Factors Affecting Equilibria - Temperature
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 6.3.5
Temperature and the Position of Equilibrium
Changing the temperature for a reaction at equilibrium takes the system out of equilibrium. The system will react to try and restore the equilibrium.
Decrease temperature
- The position of equilibrium will shift in the exothermic direction.
- The amount of products generated by the exothermic reaction will increase.
- The amount of products generated by the endothermic reaction will decrease.
Increase temperature
- The position of equilibrium will shift in the endothermic direction.
- The amount of products generated by the endothermic reaction will increase.
- The amount of products generated by the exothermic reaction will decrease.
Test yourself on Factors Affecting Equilibria - Temperature
If the forward reaction of a reversible reaction is endothermic, what happens when the temperature is decreased?
What happens when you decrease the temperature associated with a reversible reaction at equilibrium?