Chapter 17, Problem 60A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason that increasing the temperature for an exothermic process tend to favour the conversion of products back into reactants has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Le Chatelier's principle states that when there is change in temperature, pressure or concentration of reactants or products in a equilibrium reaction, the equilibrium shifts in such a way as to nullify the effect.

Answer to Problem 60A

In an exothermic process, the heat is produced and this heat increases the temperature, and further increasing the temperature will favour the reaction to shift backward to reduce the stress in accordance with Le Chatelier's principle and shift the conversion of products back into reactants.

Explanation of Solution

When a system is at equilibrium and it is subjected to any change like concentration, temperature and pressure, the equilibrium tends to shift in the direction to reduce that change. When temperature is increased in an exothermic process in which heat is evolved that raises the temperature, according to the Le Chatelier’s principle the equilibrium will shift in the direction that lowers the temperature to keep the equilibrium constant. Therefore, according to the Le Chatelier’s principle increasing the temperature for an exothermic process tend to favour the conversion of products back into reactants