What effect does increasing temperature have on an endothermic reaction?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 Chemistry – Aqueous Chemistry (AS91393) Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel on your exam!

In an endothermic reaction, heat is absorbed from the surroundings. According to Le Chatelier's principle, if the temperature of a system at equilibrium is increased, the system will shift in a direction that absorbs some of that added heat in order to counteract the change. Since the endothermic process is already absorbing heat, increasing the temperature will favor the formation of products, resulting in a shift of the equilibrium toward the products.

This shift occurs because the added heat effectively acts as a reactant for the endothermic reaction. Therefore, as more products are formed, the system works to reduce the concentration of heat in the system, promoting the endothermic reaction pathway. Thus, increasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium toward the products in an endothermic reaction.

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