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Chemical Equilibrium

Effect of Temperature Change

The shift in equilibrium caused by heating or cooling, which uniquely also changes the equilibrium constant.

Formula / equation exothermic: K falls as T rises
Unit K

In depth

Heat can be treated as a product of an exothermic reaction and a reactant of an endothermic one, so raising temperature favours the endothermic direction. Temperature is the only variable that changes K, because it alters the underlying free energy balance.

Examples in the real world

Ammonia yield falls as the Haber reactor is heated, forcing a compromise between yield and rate.