Assume that in a separate lab exercise, the three equilibrium solutions were placed in a water bath and allowed to re-equilibrate at the higher temperature. As a consequence of heating, the absorbance of the solution was found to decrease. Explain this observation, predict what will happen to the calculated Kc value for this reaction, and determine if the forward reaction is endothermic or exothermic:

a) The absorbance decreases due to increased reaction rate; Kc value increases; endothermic.
b) The absorbance decreases due to decreased reaction rate; Kc value decreases; exothermic.
c) The absorbance decreases due to decreased reaction rate; Kc value increases; exothermic.
d) The absorbance decreases due to increased reaction rate; Kc value decreases; endothermic.