For an endothermic reaction at equilibrium, increasing temperature will cause the equilibrium to shift toward which side?

• A. Toward reactants
• B. No shift
• C. Equilibrium constant to decrease
• D. Toward products

Answer: (D)

In an endothermic reaction, heat is absorbed as part of the reaction. If you increase the temperature, you’re effectively adding more heat, which the system will try to use up. According to Le Chatelier’s principle, it shifts in the direction that consumes the added heat—toward the side with more products. That means more products form at equilibrium, so the position shifts to the product side. The equilibrium constant for such a reaction also increases with temperature, reflecting a higher ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium. So, raising the temperature moves the equilibrium toward the products.