According to Le Chatelier's principle, what will happen to the equilibrium of the exothermic synthesis of ammonia: if the temperature of the system is increased?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The reaction shifts left toward the reactants
- Step 1: Treat heat as a product in an exothermic reaction: .
- Step 2: Increasing temperature adds heat to the system. By Le Chatelier's principle, the equilibrium shifts in the direction that absorbs heat (the endothermic reverse reaction), shifting left toward and .
Answer
The reaction shifts left toward the reactants.
Why not the others: 'Shifts right' occurs if temperature is decreased; 'Equilibrium constant increases' is false for exothermic reactions where decreases with rising temperature; 'Total pressure decreases' is false as moles of gas increase.
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