Temperature affects chemical equilibrium by changing the balance between the forward and backward reactions. The effect depends on whether the reaction is exothermic (releases heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat).
- In an exothermic reaction (heat is released):
- Increasing temperature adds extra heat, so the system shifts backward (towards reactants) to reduce heat.
- Decreasing temperature makes the system shift forward (towards products).
- In an endothermic reaction (heat is absorbed):
- Increasing temperature favors the forward reaction (more products form).
- Decreasing temperature favors the backward reaction (more reactants remain).
In short: Raising temperature favors the reaction that absorbs heat, while lowering temperature favors the reaction that releases heat.