Question

Consider following equilibrium

$3Fe\left(s\right)+C\left(s\right)\rightleftharpoons F{e}_{3}C\left(s\right),\Delta H^{\circ }>0$

What is the effect of increasing temperature on this equilibrium?

• A. reaction proceeds in forward
• B. reaction proceeds in backward
• C. no effects
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

reaction proceeds in forward

Forward reaction is endothermic so that formation of cementite ($F{e}_{3}C$) is favoured at high temperatures and as we increase temperature, reaction will go forward.

When steel containing $F{e}_{3}C$ is cooled slowly, equilibrium is displaced in left hand side and the carbon separates. If the steel is cooled rapidly, equilibrium is not attained and the carbon remains in the form of $F{e}_{3}C$.