According to the integrated form of the Van 't Hoff equation, . Which of the following conclusions c — Chemical Equilibrium Chemistry Question
Question
According to the integrated form of the Van 't Hoff equation, $\log_{10}\left(\frac{K_2}{K_1}\right) = \frac{\Delta H^\circ}{2.303 R} \left(\frac{T_2 - T_1}{T_1 T_2}\right)$. Which of the following conclusions can be definitively drawn from this equation if $T_2 > T_1$?
💡 Solution & Explanation
For an endothermic reaction, the RHS is positive, so $\log(K_2/K_1) > 0 \Rightarrow K_2 > K_1$. For an exothermic reaction, the RHS is negative, so $K_2 < K_1$. If $\Delta H^\circ = 0$, the RHS is $0$, so $K_2 = K_1$. Option D is false because exothermic reactions shift backward (become less forward dominant) as T increases.