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How temperature changes affect chemical equilibrium

The rate and extent of chemical change • Reversible reactions and equilibrium

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Dynamic equilibrium occurs when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, resulting in constant macroscopic concentrations.
  • Temperature acts as an external factor that alters the energy distribution of particles, affecting the rates of both reactions.
  • A shift in temperature disrupts the initial balance and causes a change in the composition of the equilibrium mixture until a new equilibrium is reached.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Given K1 at 300 K and K2 at 350 K with K2 > K1, what is the sign of ΔH for the forward reaction?

Click to reveal answer

ΔH is positive, indicating the forward reaction is endothermic.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

An increase in temperature favors the endothermic direction; a decrease favors the exothermic direction.

K increases with temperature for endothermic reactions and decreases for exothermic reactions.

Catalysts change reaction rates but do not affect equilibrium position or K.

Compare product-to-reactant ratios at different temperatures to indicate heat flow direction.

Pressure changes only affect equilibria with gases of different total moles.

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