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How does the equilibrium constant change with temperature?

Answer 1

Wyatt Adkins

For an exothermic reaction (#ΔH# is negative), #K# decreases with an increase in temperature.

For an endothermic reaction (#ΔH# is positive), #K# increases with an increase temperature.

The van't Hoff equation can be used to determine how a change in temperature affects the equilibrium constant.

#(dlnK)/(dT) = (ΔH^°)/(RT^2)#, where #R# is the Ideal Gas Constant.

If you integrate this equation from #T_1# to #T_2#, you get

#ln((K_2)/(K_1)) = (ΔH^°)/R (1/(T_1) – 1/(T_2))#

Thus, if you know the #ΔH^°# and the equilibrium constant at one temperature, you can calculate the equilibrium constant at some other temperature.

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Answer 2

Olivia Anton

The equilibrium constant can change with temperature. In general, an increase in temperature favors the endothermic direction of a reaction, while a decrease in temperature favors the exothermic direction. Therefore, the equilibrium constant ( K ) can increase or decrease with temperature, depending on the specific reaction and the enthalpy change associated with it.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.