Question

Consider the following equilibrium: CO2(g) + C(graphite) 2CO(g); ΔH = 172.5 kJ The equilibrium constant for this reaction will

A. increase if the temperature is decreased.
B. decrease with increasing temperature.
C. increase with increasing temperature.
D. increase at some pressures and decrease at other pressures.
E. not change if the temperature is increased.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (B) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

As the given reaction is as follows.

               $CO_{2}(g) + C(graphite) \rightarrow 2CO(g)$

Equilibrium constant for this reaction will be as follows.

             $K_{c} = \frac{[CO_{2}]}{[CO]^{2}}$

According to Le Chatelier's principle, when we increase the temperature then the equilibrium will shift towards the right hand side.

As a result, concentration of carbon dioxide will decrease whereas concentration of carbon monoxide will increase.

Thus, we can conclude that in the given reaction equilibrium constant for this reaction will decrease with increasing temperature.