5.33

[Michelle Song 1G]

According to the solutions manual, the answer is a because the reaction is endothermic. The solutions manual says that the value of the equilibrium constant is larger in Flask 2 than in Flask 1, which is consistent with an increase in temperature of an endothermic reaction. I do not understand why an increase in equilibrium constant shows that a reaction is endothermic.

[Michelle Song 1G]

Also, why does decreasing the volume favor the formation of X₂? I understand that decreasing the volume increases the pressure but I do not understand why this would lead to an increase in reactants.

[Alondra Olmos 4C]

An increase in the equilibrium constant suggests the reaction is favoring the products. In order to produce more product, the reaction requires heat which makes it endothermic