For a reaction at equilibrium, if the temperature is increased and ΔH is positiv
Practice Questions
Q1
For a reaction at equilibrium, if the temperature is increased and ΔH is positive, what will happen to the position of equilibrium?
Shift to the right
Shift to the left
No change
Depends on concentration
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
For a reaction at equilibrium, if the temperature is increased and ΔH is positive, what will happen to the position of equilibrium?
Step 1: Understand that a chemical reaction can reach a state called equilibrium, where the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate.
Step 2: Know that ΔH (delta H) represents the change in enthalpy, or heat content, of the reaction. A positive ΔH means the reaction absorbs heat (endothermic).
Step 3: Remember Le Chatelier's principle, which states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it will shift to counteract the disturbance.
Step 4: Recognize that increasing the temperature adds heat to the system.
Step 5: Since the reaction is endothermic (ΔH is positive), the system will shift to the right to absorb the added heat.
Step 6: Conclude that the position of equilibrium will shift to favor the products of the reaction.
Le Chatelier's Principle – This principle states that if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in temperature, pressure, or concentration, the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.
Endothermic vs Exothermic Reactions – Understanding the difference between endothermic (absorbing heat) and exothermic (releasing heat) reactions is crucial for predicting the direction of the shift in equilibrium.