Effect of Temperature
The effect of changing temperature on an equilibrium constant is given by the van 't Hoff equation
Thus, for exothermic reactions, (ΔH is negative) K decreases with an increase in temperature, but, for endothermic reactions, (ΔH is positive) K increases with an increase temperature. An alternative formulation is
At first sight this appears to offer a means of obtaining the standard molar enthalpy of the reaction by studying the variation of K with temperature. In practice, however, the method is unreliable because error propagation almost always gives very large errors on the values calculated in this way.
Read more about this topic: Chemical Equilibrium
Famous quotes containing the words effect of, effect and/or temperature:
“A readiness to believe ill of others, before we have duly examined it, is the effect of laziness and pride. We are eager to find a culprit, and loath to give ourselves the trouble of examining the crime.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)
“Self-denial is not a virtue: it is only the effect of prudence on rascality.”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)
“The siren south is well enough, but New York, at the beginning of March, is a hoyden we would not care to miss—a drafty wench, her temperature up and down, full of bold promises and dust in the eye.”
—E.B. (Elwyn Brooks)