The following reaction is at equilibrium in a sealed container.

N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) delta Hrxn <0

Which will increase the value of Kc?

A. Adding a catalyst

B. Adding N2

C. Increasing pressure

D. Lowering the temperature

E. NOne of the above

D. Lowering the temperature is the best option.

Explanation:

The value of equilibrium constants aren't changed with change in the pressure or concentrations of reactants and products in equilibrium. The only thing that changes the value of equilibrium constant is a change of temperature.

In the reaction below for example;

A + B C+D

If you have moved the position of the equilibrium to the right (and so increased the amount of C and D), why hasn't the equilibrium constant increased?

Let's assume that the equilibrium constant mustn't change if you decrease the concentration of C - because equilibrium constants are constant at constant temperature. Why does the position of equilibrium move as it does?

If you decrease the concentration or pressure of C, the top of the Kc expression gets smaller. That would change the value of Kc. In order for that not to happen, the concentrations of C and D will have to increase again, and those of A and B must decrease. That happens until a new balance is reached when the value of the equilibrium constant expression reverts to what it was before.