(b) If the temperature is raised by 100 K, does the equilibrium constant for this reaction increase or decrease?

Verified step by step guidance

1. insert step 1> Identify the type of reaction (endothermic or exothermic) using the enthalpy change (\( \Delta H \)) of the reaction.
2. insert step 2> Recall Le Chatelier's Principle, which states that a system at equilibrium will adjust to counteract any changes imposed on it.
3. insert step 3> Understand that for an endothermic reaction (\( \Delta H > 0 \)), increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium to the right, favoring the formation of products, thus increasing the equilibrium constant (\( K \)).
4. insert step 4> Conversely, for an exothermic reaction (\( \Delta H < 0 \)), increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium to the left, favoring the formation of reactants, thus decreasing the equilibrium constant (\( K \)).
5. insert step 5> Conclude whether the equilibrium constant increases or decreases based on the reaction's enthalpy change and the temperature increase.

Key Concepts

Le Chatelier's Principle

Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing the conditions, the system will adjust to counteract the change and restore a new equilibrium. This principle helps predict how changes in temperature, pressure, or concentration will affect the position of equilibrium in a chemical reaction.

Temperature and Equilibrium Constant

The equilibrium constant (K) of a reaction is temperature-dependent. For exothermic reactions, increasing the temperature typically decreases K, while for endothermic reactions, increasing the temperature usually increases K. Understanding the nature of the reaction (exothermic or endothermic) is crucial to predicting how K will change with temperature.

Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions

Exothermic reactions release heat, resulting in a negative change in enthalpy (ΔH < 0), while endothermic reactions absorb heat, leading to a positive change in enthalpy (ΔH > 0). The classification of a reaction as exothermic or endothermic is essential for determining how the equilibrium constant will respond to temperature changes.