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.

FA
Answered by Frances A. Chemistry tutor

7690 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Give the two reactions required in order to convert an alcohol into a hydroxynitrile. Include reactants and conditions. (6 marks)


Explain the geometry and bond angles in a NH3 molecule


There are two methods of ionisation in a time of flight spectrometer, name and explain one of these methods in detail.


Why does magnesium have a higher melting point than sodium?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning