53.3k views
0 votes
According to Le Chateliet’s principle, what always happens to the equilibrium of a reaction when the temperature is reduced

User Mdadm
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The equilibrium will shift

Step-by-step explanation:

Le Chatelier’s principle states that an equilibrium will shift in order to reduce the stress of a change.

Le Chatelier’s principle

Le Chatelier’s principle describes how an equilibrium will react when a stressor is added. Stressors can include changes in temperature, pressure, volume, or concentration. All of these things change the Q value (reaction quotient) of an equilibrium. Le Chatelier’s principle says that after a stressor is introduced an equilibrium will shift so that the Q value equals the K value (equilibrium constant).

Temperature Shifts

The reaction of an equilibrium to a change in temperature depends on the equilibrium itself. If the equilibrium is endothermic (energy is absorbed), then a decrease in temperature will lead to a left shift. Since heat acts as a reactant in endothermic equilibriums, a decrease in the temperature acts like a decrease in the concentration of reactants. Thus, more reactants will be produced to reestablish equilibrium. This results in a left shift.

On the other hand, in an exothermic equilibrium (energy is released), a decrease in temperature will lead to a right shift. In exothermic equilibriums, heat acts as a product. So, if heat decreases, then so does the concentration of products. Therefore, more products will be produced to reestablish equilibrium. This results in a right shift.

User Joe Patten
by
7.9k points

No related questions found