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

9147 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What chemical tests are appropriate to identify Butanoic acid, Propanal and 2-methyl propan-2-ol?


Briefly describe the nature of three types of intramolecular bonding and two types of intermolecular bonding (drawings encouraged)


Determine whether a tertiary halogenoalkane will undergo a SN1 or SN2 reaction. Explain your choice.


Explain why fluorine is reactive


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning