What happens when the temperature is decreased in an exothermic reaction?

In an exothermic reaction, heat is released as a product. According to Le Chatelier's principle, if a change is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond by shifting the equilibrium position to counteract that change. When the temperature is decreased, the system will attempt to restore balance by producing more heat.

Thus, the reaction shifts to the right, favoring the direction that produces more heat. This means that the exothermic reaction can proceed further to the right, resulting in further formation of products and the release of heat. This is why the correct response indicates that the reaction will proceed to remove heat by shifting the equilibrium towards the products.

The other responses do not accurately reflect the behavior of an exothermic reaction under decreased temperature conditions. For example, if no change occurs, the equilibrium remains static, which conflicts with the principle that a system will adjust to any perturbation. Additionally, favoring reactants or ceasing the reaction does not align with the fundamental response of exothermic reactions to a decrease in temperature.