Temperature Changes at Equilibrium

What happens when the temperature of an equilibrium system increases?

Equilibrium shifts in the endothermic direction.

What happens when the temperature decreases?

Equilibrium shifts in the exothermic direction.

How does increasing temperature affect an exothermic forward reaction?

Equilibrium shifts towards the reactants.

How does decreasing temperature affect an exothermic forward reaction?

Equilibrium shifts towards the products.

How does increasing temperature affect an endothermic forward reaction?

Equilibrium shifts towards the products.

How does decreasing temperature affect an endothermic forward reaction?

Equilibrium shifts towards the reactants.

Why does temperature affect equilibrium position?

The forward and reverse reactions have opposite energy changes.

What happens to the equilibrium yield of an exothermic product when temperature increases?

The equilibrium yield decreases.

What happens to the equilibrium yield of an exothermic product when temperature decreases?

The equilibrium yield increases.

Why might a low temperature be undesirable even when it increases yield?

The reaction rate may become too slow.

Why might a high temperature be undesirable for an exothermic industrial reaction?

It can reduce equilibrium yield and increase energy costs.

What is a compromise temperature?

A temperature chosen to balance reaction rate, equilibrium yield and cost.

Does temperature affect both rate and equilibrium position?

Yes, it changes reaction speed and can change equilibrium yield.

Why must the direction of the exothermic reaction be identified first?

To predict which direction equilibrium shifts when temperature changes.