Question

Select True or False: Consider the reaction N2(g) 3H2(g) 2NH3(g). The production of ammonia is an exothermic reaction. When heat is added to the equilibrium system it will shift to increase the amount of ammonia produced.

Answer 1

False

Step-by-step explanation:

As I like to think of it, equilibrium will shift either 'forwards' (to increase products) or 'backwards' (to increase reactants) to oppose any change in system;

If heat is added, the equilibrium will shift in the direction that reduces heat within the system;

In other words, it will shift in favour of the endothermic reaction, i.e. the reaction where heat is gained by the molecules/atoms and therefore taken out from the system;

If the 'forwards' reaction, producing NH₃, is exothermic (i.e. energy is released in the reaction), then the 'backwards' reaction is endothermic;

So the equilibrium will shift in this direction, which is the reaction of 2 NH₃ molecules producing N₂ and 3 H₂