What happens to the position of equilibrium if a reversible exothermic reaction is subjected to a de

What happens to the position of equilibrium if a reversible exothermic reaction is subjected to a decrease in temperature?

  1. The position of equilibrium shifts to the right. ✓
  2. The position of equilibrium shifts to the left.
  3. The position of equilibrium remains unchanged.
  4. The reaction stops.

Explanation

Exothermic reactions release heat. When you decrease temperature, the reaction shifts right. It makes more products to release heat and warm things up.

Shifting left would make reactants. Equilibrium always responds to changes. Reactions at equilibrium never stop completely.

Remember: Le Chatelier’s principle says reactions oppose changes. Cold pushes exothermic reactions toward products.