The direction in which the equilibrium shifts depends on the sign of ΔH and whether or not the reaction is endothermic or exothermic.If the temperature is increased the position of equilibrium will shift in the endothermic direction to minimise the rise in temperature.If the temperature is decreased the position of equilibrium will shift in the exothermic direction to minimise the fall in temperature.
Changing Temperature
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Specification: AQA Chemistry (7404), AS-level, 3.1.6.1 Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier's principle and 3.1.6.2 Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems. Topic: Equilibria.
Key terms in this lesson
- Exothermic
- Describes a reaction in which energy is transferred from the system to the surroundings, so the enthalpy change is negative.
- Endothermic
- Describes a reaction in which energy is transferred from the surroundings to the system, so the enthalpy change is positive.
- Position of equilibrium
- The relative amounts of reactants and products present when a reversible reaction has reached equilibrium.
More in Equilibria
- Chemical Equilibria
- Le Chatelier's Principle
- Changing Concentrations
- Changing Pressure
- Catalysts
- Equilibrium Reactions in Industry
- Ammonia
- Ethanol
All 20 lessons in Equilibria · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics