What happens to the position of equilibrium if a reversible reaction is subjected to a decrease in temperature?
Answer Details
The position of equilibrium shifts to the left.
When a reversible reaction is subjected to a decrease in temperature, the reaction tends to favor the production of heat. This means it moves in the direction that releases heat.
By Le Chatelier's principle, which states that a system at equilibrium will adjust in response to a change in conditions, the reaction will shift in the direction that counteracts the decrease in temperature.
Since the forward reaction is exothermic (releases heat), shifting to the left allows the reaction to produce more heat in order to compensate for the decrease in temperature. This results in more reactants being formed and fewer products being produced.
Therefore, the position of equilibrium shifts to the left because the reaction tries to restore the lost heat and maintain equilibrium.