Temperature

Question 1

If the forward reaction in a reaction is exothermic what does this mean ?

Answer 1

The temperature of the system increases as energy is released

This also means it will be endothermic in the opposite direction

Question 2

If the reverse reaction is endothermic what does this mean ?

Answer 2

Energy is taken in and the temperature of the system decreases

Question 3

What happens if we increase the temperature between 2NO2 <-> N2O4
If the forward reaction is exothermic and the reverse reaction is endothermic ?

Answer 3

• The equilibrium will shift to the left hand side ( as the reversible reaction is endothermic) to reduce the temperature
• because the reverse reaction is endothermic so energy is taken in causing the temperature to fall
• so the amount of NO2 would increase and amount of N2O4 would increase

( if confused watch free science lessons ‘temperature and reversible reactions at 1:30 onwards)