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How is the equilibrium affected by a decrease in temperature. O Cannot be determined O It shifts to the left. It shifts to the right. It has no effect.

How is the equilibrium affected by a decrease in temperature. O Cannot be determined O It shifts to the left. It shifts to the right. It has no effect.

Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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3H2(g) + N2(g) ⟷⟷ 2NH3(g) + Heat

**Question**: How is the equilibrium affected by a decrease in temperature? **Options**: 1. ⃝ Cannot be determined 2. ⃝ It shifts to the left. 3. ⃝ It shifts to the right. 4. ⃝ It has no effect. ### Detailed Explanation: In the context of chemical equilibrium, the response to a change in temperature can be understood through Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that a system at equilibrium will react to counteract any imposed change. When temperature is decreased in a system: 1. **Exothermic Reaction**: If the reaction releases heat (exothermic), a decrease in temperature causes the equilibrium to shift towards the products. Hence, the equilibrium shifts to the right to produce more heat. 2. **Endothermic Reaction**: If the reaction absorbs heat (endothermic), a decrease in temperature causes the equilibrium to shift towards the reactants. Hence, the equilibrium shifts to the left to absorb more heat. Thus, the direction in which the equilibrium shifts depends on whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic. Therefore, the answer to the given question typically requires knowing the nature of the reaction. Based on the generic understanding of exothermic reactions: **Correct Answer**: ⃝ It shifts to the right. (assuming an exothermic reaction)
Transcribed Image Text:**Question**: How is the equilibrium affected by a decrease in temperature? **Options**: 1. ⃝ Cannot be determined 2. ⃝ It shifts to the left. 3. ⃝ It shifts to the right. 4. ⃝ It has no effect. ### Detailed Explanation: In the context of chemical equilibrium, the response to a change in temperature can be understood through Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that a system at equilibrium will react to counteract any imposed change. When temperature is decreased in a system: 1. **Exothermic Reaction**: If the reaction releases heat (exothermic), a decrease in temperature causes the equilibrium to shift towards the products. Hence, the equilibrium shifts to the right to produce more heat. 2. **Endothermic Reaction**: If the reaction absorbs heat (endothermic), a decrease in temperature causes the equilibrium to shift towards the reactants. Hence, the equilibrium shifts to the left to absorb more heat. Thus, the direction in which the equilibrium shifts depends on whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic. Therefore, the answer to the given question typically requires knowing the nature of the reaction. Based on the generic understanding of exothermic reactions: **Correct Answer**: ⃝ It shifts to the right. (assuming an exothermic reaction)
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