What happens to the position of equilibrium if ... - JAMB Chemistry 2023 Question
What happens to the position of equilibrium if a reversible reaction is subjected to a decrease in temperature?
The position of equilibrium shifts to the left
The position of equilibrium shifts to the right.
The position of equilibrium remains unchanged
The reaction stops
If a reversible reaction is subjected to a decrease in temperature, the position of equilibrium will shift in the direction that absorbs heat. This shift is dictated by Le Chatelier's principle.
In general terms:
- If temperature decreases, the reaction will shift in the endothermic direction (the direction that absorbs heat).
- If temperature increases, the reaction will shift in the exothermic direction (the direction that releases heat).
So, for the given scenario of a decrease in temperature: The position of equilibrium shifts to the left.
This is because shifting to the left corresponds to the endothermic direction, helping to absorb the reduced external heat.
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