With increase in temperature, the value of equilibrium constant

Options

A. Increases
B. Decreases
C. May inerease or decrease
D. Remains constant

Answer

To determine how the equilibrium constant (K) changes with temperature, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Equilibrium Constant (K)**:
- The equilibrium constant (K) is a value that expresses the ratio of the concentration of products to the concentration of reactants at equilibrium, raised to the power of their respective coefficients in the balanced equation.

2. **Effect of Temperature on K**:
- The equilibrium constant is temperature-dependent. This means that changes in temperature can affect the value of K.

3. **Identifying Reaction Type**:
- Reactions can be classified as either endothermic (ΔH > 0) or exothermic (ΔH < 0).
- In an endothermic reaction, heat is absorbed, while in an exothermic reaction, heat is released.

4. **Applying Le Chatelier's Principle**:
- According to Le Chatelier's Principle, if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change (like temperature), the system will adjust to counteract that change and restore a new equilibrium.

5. **Analyzing Endothermic Reactions**:
- For an endothermic reaction, increasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium position to favor the formation of products. Therefore, the value of K increases.

6. **Analyzing Exothermic Reactions**:
- Conversely, for an exothermic reaction, increasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium position to favor the formation of reactants. Hence, the value of K decreases.

7. **Conclusion**:
- The effect of temperature on the equilibrium constant depends on whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic. Thus, the value of K may either increase or decrease with temperature changes.

### Final Answer:
The value of the equilibrium constant (K) may increase or decrease with an increase in temperature, depending on whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic.

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