Chemistry · JEE | EQUILIBRIUM

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The ionic product of water (\( K_w \)) increases significantly with an increase in temperature. Reason (R): The dissociation of water is an endothermic process, and according to Le Chatelier's principle, an increase in temperature shifts the equilibrium in the forward direction. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A
   Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. B
   Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
3. C
   (A) is true but (R) is false.
4. D
   (A) is false but (R) is true.