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  • How Temperature Affects Reaction Rates and Equilibrium
    Decreasing the temperature of a reaction generally decreases the following:

    * Reaction rate: Lower temperatures mean molecules have less kinetic energy, leading to fewer collisions and less successful collisions with enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier.

    * Equilibrium constant (K) for exothermic reactions: For exothermic reactions, decreasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium to favor the formation of more reactants. This is because the reaction releases heat, and lowering the temperature makes the system want to generate more heat to reach equilibrium.

    * Rate constant (k): The rate constant is a proportionality constant that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentrations of reactants. Lower temperatures result in a lower rate constant, meaning the reaction proceeds more slowly.

    However, it's important to note that:

    * The effect on equilibrium constant for endothermic reactions is the opposite: For endothermic reactions, decreasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium to favor the formation of more products.

    * Not all reactions are affected equally: Some reactions are more sensitive to temperature changes than others.

    Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these points!

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