For a given exothermic reaction, and are the equilibrium constants at temperatures and respectively. Assuming that the heat of reaction is constant in the temperature range between and , it is readily observed that: (Assume )
According to Le Chatelier's principle, for an exothermic reaction, an increase in temperature shifts the equilibrium in the backward direction, which decreases the value of the equilibrium constant. Since , the equilibrium constant at the higher temperature () will be less than the equilibrium constant at the lower temperature (). Therefore, . Alternatively, using the van't Hoff equation: Since , the term is positive. For an exothermic reaction, is negative. Thus, the entire RHS is negative, making . This implies , or .
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