Question

Ethane, C2H6, can be formed by reacting acetylene, C2H2, with hydrogen gas as follows: C2H2(g) H2(g) ⇌ C2H6(g) Exothermic What change will be observed if the temperature of the reaction mixture at equilibrium were increased

Answer 1

Answer:

Equilibrium shifts to the right

Explanation:

An exothermic reaction is one in which temperature is released to the environment. Hence, if the reaction vessel housing an exothermic reaction is touched after reaction completion, we will notice that the reaction vessel e.g beaker is hot.

To consider the equilibrium response to temperature changes, we need to consider if the reaction is exothermic or endothermic. In the case of this particular question, it has been established that the reaction is exothermic.

Heat is released to the surroundings as the reactants are at a higher energy level compared to the products. Hence, increasing the temperature will favor the formation of more reactants and as such, the equilibrium position will shift to the left to pave way for the formation of more reactants. Thus , more acetylene and hydrogen would be yielded