Question detail
If a reaction at equilibrium is subjected to a decrease in temperature and the forward reaction is exothermic, what will be the effect on the equilibrium position?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium
Question
- A. The equilibrium will shift to the left.
- B. The equilibrium will shift to the right.
- C. The equilibrium will not shift.
- D. The equilibrium will become unstable.
Answer
The equilibrium will shift to the right.
Explanation
The correct answer is The equilibrium will shift to the right.. This answer directly addresses the question: If a reaction at equilibrium is subjected to a decrease in temperature and the forward reaction is exothermic, what will be the effect on the equilibrium position? It matches the approved Chemistry 8462 learning objective and the linked subtopic. The other options are incorrect because they either change the rate, catalyst, reversible reaction, equilibrium, or graph context, or they do not answer the exact point being tested.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Temperature Effects
Students often think that decreasing temperature always increases the rate of reaction instead of favouring the exothermic direction of a reversible reaction.
Remember that decreasing temperature favours the exothermic direction, which can lead to increased product yield, but it does not necessarily mean the reaction rate will increase.
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