2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(g) ΔH = -ve What happens to the equilibrium constant of the reaction above if the temperature is increased?

Answer Details

When the temperature is increased, the equilibrium constant of the reaction will decrease. This is because the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. According to Le Chatelier's principle, when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will shift in a way that counteracts the stress. In this case, an increase in temperature is a stress that causes the equilibrium to shift in the direction that absorbs heat, which is the reverse reaction. As a result, the concentration of reactants will increase and the concentration of products will decrease, leading to a decrease in the equilibrium constant. Therefore, the correct option is "it decreases."