Consider the reaction represented by the equation below: H2(g) + 12(s) ⇌ 2HI(g) ∆H negative. Which of the following takes place when the temperature of the ...
Consider the reaction represented by the equation below: H2(g) + 12(s) ⇌ 2HI(g) ∆H negative. Which of the following takes place when the temperature of the reaction vessel is decreased?
Answer Details
When the temperature of the reaction vessel is decreased, the equilibrium shifts to favor the exothermic direction, which is the forward reaction in this case. As a result, more hydrogen and iodine molecules react to form hydrogen iodide. The equilibrium constant (K) for this reaction indicates that the reaction favors the products, which means that at equilibrium, there is a greater concentration of hydrogen iodide molecules than hydrogen and iodine molecules. Therefore, a decrease in temperature will increase the yield of hydrogen iodide molecules, resulting in a shift towards the forward reaction. Therefore, the correct option is "the yield of hydrogen iodide increases".