Effect of Temperature Changes on the Position of Equilibrium

In a reversible reaction, if the reaction is exothermic in one direction, it is endothermic in the opposite direction. The position of equilibrium in a reversible reaction can be affected by changes in temperature.

  • If the temperature increases, the position of equilibrium will shift in the direction of the endothermic reaction. This is because the system tries to counteract the change in temperature by absorbing heat energy.
  • If the temperature decreases, the position of equilibrium will shift in the direction of the exothermic reaction. This happens because the system tries to counteract the change in temperature by releasing heat energy.

Example

In the reaction below, the forward reaction is exothermic while the backward reaction is endothermic.

2NO2 ⇌ N2O4

If the temperature increases, the position of equilibrium will shift to the endothermic direction, producing more NO2 gas. As endothermic reactions take in heat energy, this will reduce the temperature.

Whereas, if the temperature decreases, the position of equilibrium will shift to the exothermic direction, producing more N2O4 gas. As exothermic reactions give out heat, this will increase the temperature.