Predict the position of equilibrium for the following reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction appears to be the synthesis of magnesium oxide from its elements, which is exothermic. According to Le Chatelier's principle, the position of equilibrium will shift towards the side that opposes any change to the system. In an exothermic reaction, heat is a product. So, adding heat will shift the equilibrium to the left, while removing heat will shift it to the right. Therefore, a shift to the right will lower the temperature of the system because heat is being taken away from the reaction, which will counteract the change. So, the position of equilibrium will be to the right.

Predict the Position of Equilibrium for the Following Reaction